,  2.0.3 


LIBRARY   OF  THE  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 

PRINCETON,    N.  J. 
PRESENTED  BY 

Dr.  Henry  E.  Hale 

BX  7795   .PSmk  1842a 
Penington,    Isaac,  1616-167 
Letters  of  Isaac  Penington 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2015 


https://archive.org/details/lettersofisaacpeOOpeni_0 


ISAAC  PENIFGTOF, 


AN 


EMINENT  MINISTER  OF  THE  GOSPEL 


THE  SOCIETY  OF  FEIENDS, 


WHICH  HE  JOINED  ABOUT  THE  YEAR  1658. 


From  the  Second  London  Edition. 


PHILADELPHIA : 
rOR  SALE  AT  FRIENDS'  BOOK-STORE, 

No.  304  ARCH  STREET. 


PREFACE  TO  THE  LONDON  EDITION. 


'HE  editor  of  the  present  volume,  having  been  much 


J-  instructed  in  perusing  "  Letters  of  Isaac  Peningtou," 
&c.,  (published  in  the  year  1796,  by  John  Kendall  of  Col- 
chester, and  now,  for  a  considerable  time  out  of  print,) 
was  induced  to  turn  his  attention  towards  reviving  them. 
In  this  object  he  was  further  encouraged,  by  the  circum- 
stance of  having  access  to  a  large  number  of  manuscript 
letters  of  the  same  author,  some  of  which  were  originals. 

When  the  greater  part  of  the  materials  now  before  the 
reader  were  nearly  prepared  for  the  press,  it  was  ascer- 
tained, that  the  work  above  mentioned  was  compiled  from 
an  extensive  collection  of  Isaac  Peningtou's  papers  in  the 
possession  of  John  Kendall,  which  he  eventually  presented 
to  the  Society  of  Friends.  This  important  document 
(copied  with  much  assiduity  and  care  by  the  son  of  I.  P.) 
has  been  by  permission  examined  ;  and  those  letters  of  the 
former  publication,  which  are  retained  in  the  ensuing, 
(thirty-three  in  number,)  have  been  revised  and  corrected 
by  it ;  a  few  others  being  introduced  from  the  same  source. 
It  will  also  be  proper  here  to  state,  that  sliglit  verlial 
alterations,  not  affecting  the  sense  of  the  author,  have  been 
adopted,  where  perspicuity  seemed  to  require  ;  and  that 
some  portions  of  the  letters  have  been  occasionally  ex- 
cluded, when  they  appeared  to  bear  too  close  a  resemblance 
to  other  passages,  or  to  be  adapted  rather  to  the  circum- 
stances of  those  times  than  the  present. 


iii 


iv 


PREFACE. 


On  piodiK^ing  from  obscurity  these  valuable  records,  for 
the  perusal  of  the  Society  of  Friends  and  others,  the  editor 
cannot  well  refrain  from  stating,  that  his  concern  and  in- 
tention has  been,  to  promote,  if  it  be  ever  so  feebly,  the 
spiritual  edification,  harmony,  and  enlargement  of  our 
Divine  Redeemer's  Church  Universal ;  his  desires  having 
been  much  in  unison  with  the  expressions  of  the  apostle 
Paul,^ — that,  "  speaking  the  truth  in  love,"  we  may  "grow 
up  into  Him  in  all  things,  which  is  the  Head,  even  Christ." 
For  we  are  further  assured,  it  is  from  Him  alone,  that 
"  the  whole  body  "  can  be  "  fitly  joined  together,  and  com- 
pacted by  that  which  every  joint  supplieth,  according  to 
the  effectual  working  in  the  measure  of  every  part,"  and 
thus  be  known  an  "  increase  of  the  body,  unto  the  edifying 
of  itself  in  love."  Ej^hes.  iv.  15,  16.  The  very  weighty 
and  confirming  character  of  these  letters,  their  quicken- 
ing tendency,  —  the  clear  doctrine,  and  deep  experience 
throughout  evinced,  must,  it  is  apprehended,  if  perused 
with  desires  after  spiritual  good,  prove  salutary  in  various 
ways  to  most  classes  and  states  of  Christian  believers. 
They  are  not  the  pi-oduct  of  a  speculative  imagination  or 
of  uncertain  reasonings ;  they  comprehend  many  of  the 
plain  positions  of  Scriptural  faith  and  practice,  conveyed 
in  simple  but  foi'cible,  nay,  pathetic  appeals  ;  indeed,  they 
are  evidently  dictated  under  a  very  deep  sense  of  the  ines- 
timable value  of  heavenly  things,  refined  and  proved  by 
no  ordinary  exercises  of  spirit,  as  well  as  by  manifold  out- 
ward sufferings. 

And  here,  it  may  with  deference  be  suggested,  that  this 
particular  desci'iption  of  ministerial  communication,  (for 
such  it  is,)  will  be  likely  to  prove  more  beneficial,  if  but 
a  few,  or  even  a  single  letter  be  read  at  one  time,  and  a 
sufiicient  interval  be  allowed  for  the  mind  to  reflect  on 


PREFACE. 


V 


and  appropriate  their  contents.  In  order  to  this,  and  with 
a  view  that  the  reader  may  be  in  some  degree  apprized  of 
the  topics  before  hini,  the  editor  has  attempted,  (however 
imperfectly,)  at  the  head  of  each  letter,  and  in  the  Table 
of  Contents,  to  give  some  brief  account  of  the  subjects 
of  it;  the  advantages  of  which  plan  will,  he  trusts,  be 
evident. 

To  the  Society  of  Friends,  it  is  presumed,  little  need  be 
said  by  way  of  information  respecting  the  author  of  these 
letters  —  his  life,  character,  sufferings  for  the  testimony  of 
a  good  conscience,  or  services  in  the  church  of  Christ. 
Such  readers  as  have  not  had  the  privilege  of  access  to 
his  collected  works,  of  which  there  have  been  several 
editions,  may  be  referred  to  his  "  Life,"  &c.  by  Joseph 
Gurney  Bevan  ;  wherein,  besides  a  detailed  and  interest- 
ing memoir,  they  will  find  extracts  from  his  writings. 
Our  historian,  Gough,  has  also  given  a  biographical  sketch 
of  him.  It  may,  however,  still  be  desirable  to  insert  some 
particulars  of  this  excellent  man ;  that,  in  conjunction 
with  these  specimens  of  his  labours  of  love,  may  be  held  up 
to  view  his  lively,  consistent,  and  blessed  example.  This 
Preface  shall  therefore  be  followed  by  a  brief  notice  of 
Isaac  Penington,  being,  with  some  slight  variations,  the 
testimony  of  his  contemporary,  William  Penn. 

John  Bakclay. 

Alton,  Fifth  Month,  1828. 
1  * 


TESTIMONY  OF  WILLIAM  PENN,  CONCERN- 
ING ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


S  'the  memory  of  the  just  is  blessed,'  so  to  me  there 


-lA-  seems  a  blessing  upon  those,  that  have  a  right  remem- 
brance of  them  ;  wherefore,  to  the  memory  of  this  just 
man,  my  dear  Friend  and  relation,  Isaac  Penington,  I  do, 
with  a  sincere  and  religious  affection,  dedicate  this  ensu- 
ing testimony. 

"  He  was  well  descended  as  to  his  worldly  parentage,* 
and  born  about  the  year  1617,  being  heir  to  a  fair  inherit- 
ance ;  his  education  was  suitable  to  his  quality  among 
men,  having  all  the  advantages  the  schools  and  universi- 
ties of  his  own  country  could  give,  joined  with  the  con- 
versation of  some  of  the  most  knowing  and  considerable 
men  of  that  time.  His  natural  abilities,  the  gifts  of  his 
Creator,  excelled  ;  he  was  a  :r.a:i  quick  in  apprehension, 
fruitful  in  conception,  of  a  lively  wit  and  intelligence,  but 
adorned  with  an  extraordinary  mildness  and  engaging 
sweetness  of  disposition. 

"  His  father's  station  in  public  business,  gave  him  pre- 
tensions enough  to  share  of  this  world's  greatness  ;  but  he, 
with  blessed  meek  Moses,  refused  the  Egyptian  glory  of 
it,  and  chose  rather  a  life  dedicated  to  an  inquiiy  after 
God,  and  holy  fellowship  with  him  and  his  despised 
Israel. 

"  Very  early  did  the  Lord  visit  him,  with  more  thaa 
ordinary  manifestations  of  His  love ;  and  it  had  such  an 

*  He  was  the  eldest  son  of  Isaac  Penington,  of  London,  many 
years  an  Alderman,  and  for  two  years  successively  Mayor  of  the 
city,  also  a  noted  Member  of  the  Long  Parliament. 


VI 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


Vll 


effect  upon  him,  that  it  kept  him  both  from  the  evils  and 
vain  worships  of  the  world  ;  he  became  the  wonder  of  his 
kindred  and  familiars,  for  his  awful  life  and  serious  fre- 
quent I'etirements,  declining  all  company  that  might  inter- 
rupt his  meditations :  by  thus  giving  himself  over  to  a  life 
of  mourning  and  pilgrimage,  he  was  as  unpleasant  to  those 
of  the  world,  as  they  were  to  him.  Nor  did  this  sorrow 
flow  from  a  sense  of  former  vice,  for  he  was  virtuous  from 
his  childhood :  but,  with  holy  Habakkuk,  from  the  dread 
he  had  of  the  majesty  of  God,  and  his  desire  to  find  a 
resting-place  in  the  great  day  of  trouble.  Nothing  in  these 
exercises  gave  him  ease  or  comfort,  but  the  smiles  of  God's 
countenance  upon  his  soul,  and  thai  he  thirsted  after  with 
a  continual  solicitation  ;  first,  '  How  shall  I  appear?'  and 
then,  '  O  that  I  may  appear  before  God ! ' 

"  His  inward  exercises  and  enjoyments  being  of  a  very 
peculiar  nature,  made  him  take  little  comfort  in  any  of 
the  religious  societies  then  known  to  him.  He  was  as 
one  alone ;  for  he  saw  so  much  of  that  uncircumcised  and 
uncrucified  flesh,  which  is  as  grass,  professing  the  myste- 
ries of  the  heavenly  kingdom ;  —  I  mean,  people  under 
but  ordinary  convictions,  who  had  never  known  Jacob's 
troubles,  nor  the  fear  and  trembling  with  which  salvation 
is  to  be  wrought  out ;  —  and  that,  in  religious  duties,  the 
spirit  and  abilities  of  man  took  up  so  great  a  share  among 
them,  and  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  so  little.  With  such  he 
was  often  burdened,  and  pressed  in  spirit  to  lay  open  their 
carnal  state  under  a  Christian  profession.  For,  though 
they  held  the  notions  of  Truth,  it  was  not  in  the  precious 
experimental  sense  of  the  holy  virtue  and  life  of  it ;  inso- 
much, that  he  found  it  his  duty  to  endeavour  to  break  their 
false  peace,  and  bewilder  their  lofty  wisdom  and  profes- 
sion :  rather  approving  of  a  state  of  humble  doubting,  than 
hypocritical  confidence.  For,  the  Lord's  coming  in  spirit, 
without  sin,  to  the  salvation  of  the  soul,  is  to  be  waited 


Vlll       LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 

for ;  that  people  may  truly  know  him  and  his  work,  and, 
from  thence,  speak  forth  his  praise  to  others  ;  rather  than 
profess  the  eujoymeuts  of  other  saints,  which  have  been 
obtained  through  great  tribulation,  while  they,  have  never 
known  this  in  themselves,  and  so,  can  have  no  true  sense 
of  an  acceptable  sacrifice  of  God's  preparing. 

"  Such  views  drew  reproach  upon  him  from  the  worldly 
professors,  as  a  man  singular  and  censorious  ;  yet  those 
who  with  him  waited  for  the  consolation  of  Israel,  and  the 
coming  of  the  Son  of  inan  in  power  and  great  glory,  found 
him  out,  valued  and  honoured  him;  and  sweet,  was  i/ieir 
fellowship  to  him,  who  boasted  in  nothing  more,  than  that 
they  had  nothing  to  boast  of,  while  the  Laodicea  of  their 
age  thought  she  wanted  nothing.  In  that  emptiness,  they 
waited  to  be  filled  of  Him,  who  filleth  all  things  at  his 
coming  and  kingdom,  that  they  might  be  the  witnesses  of 
his  resurrection  and  appearance.  Some  of  them  died  be- 
fore that  blessed  time  came ;  some  saw  it,  and  were  glad, 
and  with  good  old  Simeon  departed  in  peace ;  others  lived 
to  see  that  blessed  day  both  dawn  and  break  forth  upon 
them,  to  their  admiration  and  comfort ;  among  whom,  my 
dear  fother-iu-law,  Isaac  Peuiugton,  was  not  the  last,  nor 
the  least  of  note. 

"  About  the  year  1657,  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  send  him 
a  Peter,  to  declare  to  him,  that  a  time  of  pouring  forth  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  and  breaking  forth  of  a  heavenly  work  of 
God  in  the  souls  of  men  and  women,  was  come ;  and  many 
Aquilas  and  Priscillas  came  after,  who  instructed  him  in 
the  way  of  God  more  perfectly.  Though  he  was  advanced 
above  many  in  his  knowledge  of  Scripture,  and  had  form- 
erly received  many  heavenly  openings  of  Truth's  myste- 
ries ;  yet,  did  the  Lord's  way  of  appearance  disappoint  his 
expectation.  And  when  the  light  broke  forth  in  his  heart, 
which  his  sincerity  longed  for,  he  found  in  himself  a  great 
mixture ;  and  that  he  had  much  to  lose  and  part  with, 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


ix 


before  he  could  become  that  blessed  little  child,  that  new 
aud  heavenly  birth,  which  inherits  the  kingdom  of  God  : 
this,  indeed,  made  him  cry,  '  Narrow  is  the  way,  and  strait 
is  the  gate  that  leads  to  life.' 

"  But,  to  ihe  glory  of  the  living  God,  and  praise  of  this 
just  man's  memory,  let  me  say,  —  neither  his  worldly  sta- 
tion, (the  most  considerable  of  any,  that  had  closed  in  with 
his  way  of  religion,)  nor  the  contradictions  it  gave  to  his 
former  conceptions,  nor  the  debasement  it  brought  upon 
his  learning  aud  wisdom,  nor  yet  that  reproach  and  loss 
which  attended  his  public  espousal  of  it,  did  deter  him 
from  embracing  it.  With  an  humble  and  broken  spirit, 
he  fell  before  this  holy  appearance  of  Jesus,  —  that  true 
Light  of  men  whose  power  and  life  he  felt  revealed  within 
him,  to  the  saving  of  his  soul ;  and  boldly  confessed  this 
spiritual  coming  of  the  great  Messiah,  who  was  able  to 
teach  him  all  things ;  to  His  name  his  knee  truly  bowed, 
and  with  Nathaniel  he  could  cry,  '  Thou  art  the  Son  of 
God,  thou  art  the  King  of  Israel.'  Now,  he  saw  clearly 
between  the  precious  and  the  vile  in  himself,  between  that 
which  was  truly  of  God,  in  his  former  exercises,  and  that 
which  was  merely  of  man :  he  was  not  stiff  nor  stout  in  de- 
fence of  his  own  building,  and  former  apprehensions  ;  no, 
but  sold  all  for  the  '  pearl  of  great  price,'  and  became 
willingly  '  poor  in  spirit,'  that  he  might  enter  '  the  king- 
dom of  God.'  Thus,  parting  with  all  he  had  not  received 
of  God,  he  received  a  new  stock  from  heaven,  wherein  the 
Lord  prospered  him ;  the  dew  of  heaven  rested  upon  his 
branch  and  root,  he  grew  rich  and  fruitful  in  all  heavenly 
treasure ;  full  of  love,  faith,  mercy,  patience,  and  long- 
suffering  ;  diligent  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  and  his  duty 
to  God  and  men.  Insomuch,  that  I  may  say,  he  was  one 
of  a  thousand ;  zealous,  yet  tender ;  wise,  yet  humble ;  a 
constant  and  early  attendant  at  meetings,  watchful  aud 
reverent  in  them  ;  one  that  ever  loved  power  and  life,  more 


z 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


than  words ;  and,  as  it  was  for  that  he  waited,  so  would  he 
be  often  deeply  affected  with  it, — even,  enabled  to  utter  such 
testimonies,  as  were  greatly  to  the  help  of  the  poor  and 
needy,  the  weary  and  the  heavy-laden,  the  true  sojourners 
and  travellers  to  eternal  rest.  To  this,  his  writings  as 
well  as  ministry  tended  ;  wherein,  it  will  be  easy  for  the 
reader  to  observe,  his  peculiar  and  mighty  love  to  the 
great  professors  of  religion  in  these  kingdoms ;  whom 
carnal  apprehensions  or  unjust  prejudices,  have  hindered 
from  closing  with  the  blessed  Truth,  as  it  is  known  and 
felt  among  us.  His  fervent  labour  to  remove  these  ob- 
structions, was  with  such  tenderness,  yet  great  clearness, 
that  I  may  venture  to  style  him  their  apostle ;  for,  as  in 
almost  every  meeting,  so  in  every  book,  the  bent  of  his 
spirit  was  towards  them  :  —  that  those  who  made  a  more 
than  ordinary  profession  of  God, — not  without  some  an- 
cient touches  of  the  divine  grace,  and  experience  of  his 
heavenly  visitation,  (though  much  extinguished  by  human 
and  worldly  mixtures,)  —  might  come  to  know  what  that 
was  they  once  tasted  of,  how  they  lost  it,  and  which  is  the 
way  to  recover  the  living  and  full  enjoyment  of  it, — even, 
the  inward  knockings  and  appearance  of  Jesus,  the  Sa- 
viour, to  the  salvation  of  their  souls.  I  pray  God,  they 
may  answer  his  love ;  for,  he  was  much  spent  on  their  ac- 
count ;  that  so  his  ministry,  writings,  travels,  and  tears, 
may  not  be  matter  of  charge  and  evidence  against  them 
in  the  day  of  judgment.* 

*Some  account  of  his  sufferings  is  here  added,  given  by  Thomas 
Ellwood,  who  was  well  acquainted  with  him.  "  And,  as  it  was 
given  him  to  believe  in  Clirist,  so  he  bad  also  to  suffer  for  his  sake; 
bis  imprisonments  being  many,  and  some  of  them  long;  which  he 
underwent  with  great  constancy  and  quietness  of  mind.  He  was 
first  imprisoned  in  the  year  1661,  in  Aylesbury  Gaol,  for  worship- 
ping God  in  his  own  house;  and  endured  great  hardships  for  seven- 
teen weeks,  in  a  cold,  incommodious  room,  without  a  chimney,  great 


LETTERS   OF    ISAAC   PENINGTON.  xi 

"As  his  outward  man  grew  in  age,  lis  inward  man 
grew  in  grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of  our  dear  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  for  the  excellency  of  which,  he  had 
justly  counted  all  things  else  but  as  dross  and  dung. 
Foi"  it  was  observable,  among  them  that  rightly  knew  him 
in  his  declining  time,  when  the  candle  of  his  natural  life 
burnt  more  dim,  his  soul  waxed  stronger,  and,  like  a  re- 
plenished lamp,  shined  with  greater  lustre ;  and  truly,  he 
had  a  double  portion  of  the  Spirit  upon  him,  being 
anointed  with  judgment  and  zeal  for  the  Lord,  which  ap- 
peared in  two  eminent  respects. 

"  First,  he  was  very  urgent,  that  all  those  who  knew  any 
thing  of  the  heavenly  gift  of  ministry  to  othei'S,  would 
always  wait  in  their  several  exercises,  to  be  endued  with 
matter  and  power  from  on  high,  before  they  opened  their 
mouths  in  a  testimor  y  for  the  Lord.  And  that,  at  all 
times,  as  well  out  o^  r  .«etings  as  in  them,  they  might  live 
so  near  the  Lord,  f  feel  the  key  of  David  opening  the 
mysteries  of  the  nea  ^uiy  kingdom  ;  and,  by  experiencing 
the  depth  of  tho  ^  iavenly  travail,  and  the  trials,  deliver- 
ances, and  cnnp  stations  of  it, —  with  that  dominion  and 
victory  that,  a  the  end,  by  perseverance  is  obtained, — 
they  might  ';e  as  true  saviours  on  mount  Zion,  the  salt  and 
lights  of  the  world,  thoroughly  furnished  unto  every  good 
word  and  work,  and  master  builders  in  God's  house :  — 
that  a  pure  and  living  stream  of  ministry,  might  be  con- 
tinued and  conveyed  to  the  generations  to  come, —  that 
they  might  not  only  hear,  but  taste  of  what  we  have 

part  of  tlie  time  in  winter;  from  which  usage,  his  body  contracted 
so  great  a  disorilov,  that,  for  several  weeks,  he  was  not  able  to  turn 
liiniself  in  his  bed.  He  was  imprisoned  five  times  after  this,  on 
account  of  his  religious  profession  ;  and  being  of  a  tender  constitu- 
tion, was  in  danger  of  losing  his  life  from  the  liardship  he  endured. 
Thus,  through  many  tribulations  did  he  enter  the  kingdom,  having 
been  long  exercised,  tried,  and  approved  of  the  Lord." 


xii        LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 

known  of  the  Word  of  life  and  work  of  redemption  in  our 
age. 

"  But,  Lis  excellency  in  the  second  respect,  was  his  fer- 
vent love  to  the  heavenly  union  of  brethren  ;  whatever 
struck  at  that,  though  under  ever  such  specious  pretences, 
he  no  sooner  perceived,  however  subtle  the  mischievous 
workings  thereof,  than  with  deep  wisdom  he  detected,  and 
with  his  whole  might  opposed  it.  For,  though  by  nature 
he  was  long  suffering,  to  a  degree  of  letting  his  mercy  to 
others,  almost  wound  his  own  soul ;  yet,  so  deeply  did  his 
love  to  the  Lord  and  his  people,  and  to  that  comely  order 
in  which  God  had  settled  them,  engage  his  soul ;  that  he 
was  bold  as  a  lion,  yea,  warlike  as  a  champion  against 
that  spirit,  that  went  up  and  down  to  sow  jealousies,  to 
smite  and  reflect  upon  the  holy  care  of  the  brethren, 
interpreting  their  tender  love  and  great  pains,  as  if  what 
was  done  by  them  were  not  intended  for  the  edification  of 
the  body,  but  for  the  exaltation  of  some  particular  per- 
sons over  it.  This  ingratitude  and  injustice  his  soul  ab- 
horred, and  often  he  mourned  for  such  as  were  so  seduced  ; 
as  if  it  were  the  design  of  those,  that  had  from  the  begin- 
ning laid  themselves  out  in  the  service  of  God  and  his 
people,  to  bring  them  at  last  to  a  blind  and  unwarrantable 
subjection,  that  they  themselves  might  the  better  exercise 
dominion  over  them.  This  evil  eye  he  helped  to  put  out; 
and,  in  his  opposition  to  this  wandering  and  destroying 
spirit,  that  ever  leads  out  of  the  love  and  unity  of  brethren, 
he  approved  himself  a  valiant  of  Israel,  a  Phinehas  for  the 
God  of  his  salvation;  —  and  the  rewards  of  heaven  were 
poured  into  his  bosom ;  for  his  holy  niinistry  manifestly 
increased  in  life  and  power,  and  his  peace  flowed  as  a 
river,  and  many  were  witnesses  of  his  enlargements.  Let 
those  that  have  lost  their  first  love,  and  are  gone  from 
their  ancient  habitation,  '  rage,  and  imagine  vain  things,' 
if  they  will ;  surely,  the  travails  and  testimonies  of  this 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  xiii 

blessed  man  will  be  a  witness  against  them,  that  will  not 
easily  be  silenced,  and  a  burden  upon  their  backs,  that 
will  not  readily  be  taken  off.  Yet,  because  he  desired  not 
their  destruction,  but  prayed  earnestly  to  the  last  for  their 
return,  let  me  not,  whilst  I  am  writing  his  character,  fall 
short  of  his  compassions :  no,  I  pray  God  also,  with  my 
whole  spirit,  that  they  may  repent,  be  contrite  in  heart, 
and  faithfully  return  ;  at  which,  if  the  angels  in  heaven 
rejoice,  certainly  the  spirits  of  the  just,  that  dwell  in  heav- 
enly places,  will  abundantly  rejoice  too. 

"  These  two  cares  were  chiefly  and  almost  continually 
before  him.  And  as  he  was,  in  these  respects,  a  light  in 
the  church,  so  he  was  a  blessing  to  his  own  family  ;  a 
loving  husband,  a  very  tender  and  prudent  father,  a  just 
and  kind  master, —  I  will  add,  a  good  neighbour,  and  a 
most  firm  friend  :  of  all  unapt  to  believe  ill,  never  to 
report  it,  much  less  to  do  it  to  any ;  a  man  that  ruled  his 
tongue,  swift  to  hear,  slow  to  speak ;  but  when  he  did 
speak,  he  was  serious,  yet  sweet,  and  not  uncheerful. 
What  shall  I  say  more?  for  great  and  many  were  the  gifts 
God  honoured  him  with,  and  with  them  he  truly  honoured 
his  profession. 

"  Being  thus  fit  to  live,  he  was  prepared  to  die,  and  had 
nothing  else  to  do,  when  that  summons  was  served  upon 
him,  which  was  in  the  63d  year  of  his  age ;  at  which  time, 
it  pleased  the  Lord,  he  fell  very  sick,  under  a  sharp  and 
painful  distemper,  which  hastened  his  dissolution.  How- 
ever, to  internal  peace  so  well  established,  the  anguish  of 
that  bitter  exercise  could  give  no  shock ;  for  he  died,  as 
he  lived,  in  the  faith  that  overcomes  the  world ;  whose 
soul,  being  now  released  from  the  confinements  of  time 
and  frailties  of  mortality,  is  ascended  into  the  glorious 
freedom  and  undisturbed  joys  of  the  just ;  where,  with  his 
holy  brethren,  the  patriarchs,  prophets,  apostles,  and 
martyrs  of  Jesus,  he  forever  blesseth  and  praiseth  the  God 
2 


xiv       LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


and  Father  of  the  righteous  generations  by  Jesus  Christ, 
God's  Lamb,  and  our  heavenly  Redeemer  —  to  whom 
with  the  Father  be  all  honour,  glory,  might,  majesty,  and 
dominion,  through  every  age  of  his  church,  and  forever. 
Amen. 

"  William  Penn." 

"  Westminster, 
"  12th  of  Twelfth  Month,  1680-81."  • 


CONTENTS. 


Letter  Page 
I.  On  the  pure,  living,  spiritual  Food.  —  To  the  Friends 

at  Chalfont  in  Buckinghamshire       .       .       .  .21 
II.  Christ  the  Eoot  of  all  True  Religion,  &c.— To  Thomas 

Walmsley  22 

III.  Of  a  growth  in  Grace,  amidst  distressing  Exercises  of 

Spirit.  —  To  Bridget  Atley  25 

IV.  On  the  State  of  the  Puritans,  and  of  Friends        .       .  27 
V.  The  Compassions  of  the  Sheplierd  of  the  Flock  towards 

the  Weak,  &c.    How  they  should  follow  Him.  —  To 
Friends      .........  30 

VI.  On  Searching  for  the  hidden  Treasure,  and  Selling  all 

for  it.  —  To  Catherine  Pordage  31 

VII.  A  Christian  Salutation.  —  To  Elizabeth  Walmsley  •  34 
VIII.  On  Christ  being  manifested  within,  and  the  Sprinkling 

of  his  Blood  inwardly.  —  To  Tliomas  Walmsley       .  35 
IX.  The  Way  of  God's  Redemption  is  above  the  ways  of 

Man's  Wisdom  3G 

X.  On  the  Gospel,  and  on  Preacliing  it;  also  on  tlie  Scrip- 
tures, &c  39 

XI.  The  Duty  of  being  Content  with  what  is  made  known  41 
XII.  Of  Faith  in  the  healing  Power  of  Christ       .       .  .42 

XIII.  Advice  to  One  respecting  the  dark  Suggestions  of  the 

Enemy  .44 

XIV.  On  Obedience,  spiritual  Growth,  Establishment,  and 

Victory,  in  and  tlirough  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  .       .  46 
XV.  The  least  Messenger  of  the  Gospel  is  not  to  be  despised. 

A  Change  of  Heart  is  to  be  sought,  rather  than  a  Sign  51 

XVI.  Advice  on  Reading  the  Scriptures  52 

XVII.  On  the  Righteousness  which  is  of  Christ.  On  the  Man- 
hood and  Godhead  of  Clirist.  —  To  the  Friend  of 
Francis  Fines  53 

XV 


xvi 


CONTENTS. 


Letter  Page 
XVIII.  On  the  religious  Care  of  Children.  — To  a  Parent  59 
XIX.  A  Day  of  Calamity.  —  To  a  Friend  in  London  :  sup- 

po.sed  to  be  written  on  occasion  of  the  Plague      .  61 
XX.  The  spiritual  Life  is  to  be  cherished.  —  To  Friends 

of  Truth  in  and  about  the  two  Chalfonts      .       .  62 
XXI.  On  true  Judgment,  and  on  Prejudices;  also  on  the 
variety  of  Gifts  and  Stations  in  the  Church.  —  To 
Friends  of  Truth  in  and  about  the  two  Chalfonts  64 
XXII.  To  a  Couple  about  to  many  67 

XXIII.  The  Day  of  God's  Power  and  Love. — To  John 

Mannock  69 

XXIV.  On  Simplicity  of  Faith  and  Dedication.  —  To  John 

Mannock  73 

XXV.  The  Blessedness  of  Suffering  for  Christ's  sake.  —  To 

Elizabeth  Walmsley  75 

XXVI.  Exhortation,  chiefly,  on  Rev.  xiv.  7,  "  Fear  God,  give 

glory  to  Him,"  &c.  —  To  Widow  Hemmings       .  78 

XXVII.  Advice  and  Sympathy  under  Trial.  —  To  Elizabeth 

Walmsley  83 

XXVIII.  Of  Obedience  in  confessing  Christ ;  also  on  the  Light 

of  Christ.  — To  Elizabeth  Stonar  .       .       .  .84 

XXIX.  On  tlie  Life,  inward  Sense,  and  power  of  the  Spirit; 

also  respecting  the  Scriptures,  and  the  Church, 
&c.  —  To  Nathaniel  Stonar    ....  86 

XXX.  Of  Truth  in  the  inward  Parts.  — To  Widow  Hem- 
mings  91 

XXXI.  Deliverance  from  spiritual  Enemies  by  Christ,  &c. ; 

also  of  OfJences  93 

XXXII.  Encouragement  to  Faithfulness  under  apprehension 

of  Sufferings.  —  To  Widow  Hemmings        .       .  96 

XXXIII.  Exhortation  relative  to  the  Christian  Life  and  Travel. 

—  To  Dulcibella  Laiton  97 

XXXIV.  On  Decay  of  "  first  Love,"  and  a  hardened  State 

"through  the  Deceitfulness  of  Sin."  —  To  George 
Winkfield  99 


CONTENTS.  XVU 

Letter  Page 
XXXV.  Propositions  relating  to  the  Truth  and  Substance 
of  Religion. — To   Sir   William   Drake  (so 

styled)  101 

XXXVI.  Concerning  the  Seed  of  the  Kingdom.  —  To  S.  W.  105 
XXXVII.  Comfort  and  Counsel  under  Affliction.  — To  the 

Lady  Conway    .......  107 

XXXVIII.  On  the  benefit  of  Chastening  by  Afflictions.  —  To 

the  Lady  Conway     ......  109 

XXXIX.  On  being  ingrafted  into  Christ,  being  preserved 
alive  in  Him,  and  growing  up  in  Him  in  all 

Things.  — To  S.  W  112 

XL.  Counsel  to  One  tossed  as  with  Tempests       .  .116 
XLI.  Encouragement  under  Trials  incident  to  bearing 

the  Cross  of  Christ  117 

XLII.  On  being  ofiended  with  those  who  fall  into  Temp- 
tation   .       .  .118 

XLIII.  The  Mind  may  be  stayed  in  Peace  amidst  the 

Enemy's  Accusations.  —  To  "Widow  Hemmings  120 
XLIV.  On  resisting,  and  on  receiving  God's  Spirit ;  also 
on  Redemption  by  Christ  Jesus.  —  To  Nathaniel 

Stonar  122 

XLV.  Respecting  .some  Snares  of  the  Adversary  to  dis- 
tress the  Soul.  —  To  Bridget  Atley  .       .  .125 
XLVI.  Weighty  Counsel.  —  To  Sir  William  Armorer  (so 

styled)  126 

XLVII.  On  an  unfaithful  profession  of  the  Truth.  —  To 

Abraham  Grimsden   129 

XLVIII.  Christ,  the  Resurrection  and  the  Life.    On  His 

Appearance  in  the  Flesh,  &c.  ....  130 

XLIX.  To  One  who  sent  a  Paper  of  Richard  Baxter's    .  132 

L.  Of  the  Gospel  State  in  general,  and  of  tlie  State 

of  Believers  in  particular  133 

LI.  On  shunning  the  Cross.  — To  Catherine  Pordage  136 
LII.  On  Love,  Meekness,  and  watching  over  each 

other.  —  To  Friends  in  Amersham  .       .       .  137 

LIII.  On  the  Spiritual  Appearance  of  Christ       .      .  138 
2*  B 


XVUl  CONTENTS. 

Letter  Page 
LIV.  To  One  under  Divine  Visitation      ....  139 

LV.  The  Kingdom  of  God  within.    Of  the  new  Covenant. 
Professors  of  the  day.    Trial  of  Spirits.  Exhor- 
tation to  wait  for  and  walk  in  tlie  Spirit      .  140 
LVI.  Encoiuagement  to  look  up  to  the  Lord,  amidst  his 

Cliastenings,  and  the  Sraitings  of  the  Enemy      .  144 
LVII.  Of  tlie  Gospel  Dispensation,  and  of  the  States  of  its 

Professors.  —  To  Colonel  Kenrick       .       .       .  146 
L VIII.  On  tlie  Lord's  Supper  witli  Believers.  —  To  "Widow 

Hemmings    .  150 

LIX.  Eespecting  tlie  Payment  of  Tithes.  —  To  James  Eeles  152 
LX.  On  Election,  and  on  Falling  Away.    Of  our  own 
Righteousness,  and  of  Christ's  in  us.  —  To  Ruth 

Palm  r  154 

LXI.  To  his  Brother  Arthur,  who  became  a  Roman 

Catholic  159 

LXII.  Respecting  his  Brother,  a  Roman  Catholic.  —  To 

Josepli  Wriglit  163 

LXIIT.  On  Baptism  by  Water.  — To  William  Rolls   .       .  165 
LXIV.  On  unreserved  Obedience.  —  To  Bridget  Atley      .  166 
LXV.  To  the  Poor  among  Friends,  who  are  relieved  by  the 
Charity  and  bowels  of  Love,  which  God  opens  in 
other  Friends  towards  tliem        ....  168 

LXVI.  Afflictions  may  work  out  a  weiglit  of  Glory.  —  For 

Friends  in  Scotland     ......  170 

LXVII.  Against  Earthly  Reasonings  and  Expectations. — 

To  Sarah  Bond  172 

LXVIII.  An  Invitation  to  Heavenly  Substance      .       ,       .  175 
LXIX.  Exhortation  to  walk  in  the  Truth.  —  To  Friends  at 

Lewes  177 

LXX.  Consolation  for  a  Mother  on  the  Death  of  her  Child. 

—  To  Sarah  Elgar  178 

LXXI.  Advice   respecting   Cliurch    Discipline.  —  To  tlie 

Women's  Meeting  of  Friends,  at  John  Mannock's  179 

LXXII.  On  Prayer  in  Families,  &c.    Also  on  the  State  of 

Professors  of  the  Day  182 


CONTENTS. 


xix 


Letter  Page 
LXXIII.  Of  Preservation  and  a  Growtli  in  the  Heavenly 
Life;  its  power  over  tlie  Eartlily  Nature. — 
To  Friends  in  and  about  the  two  Chalfonts    .  185 

LXXIV.  Tiie  Holy  Scriptures  not  the  Primary  Eule.  — 

To  Natlianiel  Stonar  190 

LXXV.  On  true,  living,  heavenly  Knowledge.  —  To  the 

Lady  Conway  193 

LXXVI.  On  Disputation  ;  and  on  hearing  Wisdom's  voice. 

Also  respecting  the  Puritan  State.  —  To  E. 

Terry  19« 

LXXVII.  Advice  as  to  Self-deceit.    On  the  Unity  of  the 
Sjjirit.    The  younger  are  to  submit  to  the 
Elder.  — To  Miles  Stanclif    .       .       .  .198 
LXXVIII.  The  Loving-kindness  of  the  Lord.  — To  Eliza- 
beth Walmsley  200 

LXXIX.  On  Confessing  Christ  before  Men,&c.  —  To  Eliza- 
beth Stonar  201 

LXXX.  Observations  on  the  Ministry.  —  To  a  near  Rela- 
tive  206 

LXXXI.  Of  Love,  Humility,  and  Order  among  Friends. 

Also  of  Persecution.  —  To  a  near  Relative    .  208 
LXXXII.  Danger  of  Self-complacency. —  To  Catherine 

Pordage  212 

LXXXIII.  Against  Self-exaltation;  and  on  the  Cross  of  our 

Lord  Jesus  Christ.  —  To  Catherine  Pordage  .  214 
LXXXIV.  To  such  as  Drink  of  the  Waters  at  Astrop 

Wells  217 

LXXXV.  To  One  who  sent  a  Message  to  him  from  Astrop 

Wells  219 

LXXXVI.  Acknowledgment  of  Christ's  Manhood.  —  To 

Richard  Roberts  221 

LXXXVII.  Postscript  to  some  Considerations  respecting  the 
Gospel  Church. —  Addressed  to  the  Indej)en- 

dents  at  Canterbury  222 

LXXXVIII.  The  Way  to  Life  narrow  ;  hard  things  made  easy 
to  the  Obedient.  Also  some  Answers  to  Objec- 
tions on  Prayer,  &c.  —  To  Catherine  Pordage  225 


XX 


CONTENTS. 


LXXXIX.  The  Scriptures  exceedingly  precious.  The  Gospel 
a  Ministration  of  the  Spirit  of  Life  in  Christ 
JesiL«.    The  Liability  of  losing  the  Sense  and 

Savour  of  this  230 

XC.  On  abiding  in  the  Root  of  Life. — To  Friends  in 

and  about  the  two  Chalfonts     ....  234 
XCI.  The  unsearchable  Eiches  of  Christ.  Believers 
may  partake  thereof  through  Obedience,  and  be 
preserved  from  every  Harm.  —  To  Friends  of 

both  the  Clialfonts  235 

XCII.  On  the  Fear  of  God.    To  those  persons  that  drink 

of  the  Waters  at  Astrop  Wells  ....  241 
XCIIL  Some  Doubts  answered  respecting  Praj'er.  —  To 

Widow  Hemmings  243 

XCIV.  On  Drinking  of  the  Fountain  of  Living  Waters.  — 

To  Widow  Hemmings  247 

XCV.  Considerations  relative  to  the  Cliurch  ;  with  some 
Cautions  to  Christian  Professors.  —  To  ray 
Friends  at  Horton  and  therealxiuts  .  .  .  250 
XCVI.  Hints  on  Steadfostness  in  the  Truth  and  its  Testi- 
mony ;  on  forsaking  Assemblies  for  Divine  Wor- 
sliip,  and  on  slighting  Gospel  Ministers.  —  To 

Thomas  and  Ann  Mudd  254 

XCVII.  On  liating  Reproof.  —  To  Catherine  Pordage  and 

another  257 

XCVIII.  Of  "  Fleshly  Wisdom."  —  To  Francis  Pordage    .  259 
XCIX.  Advice  on  Church  Discipline.  —  To  the  Women 

Friends  that  meet  at  Armscot  in  Worcestershire  261 
C.  An  Expostulation  and  Warning.  —  To  the  Earl  of 

Bridgewater  2C4 

CL  Faithful  Dealing  between  Brethren  recommended  267 
CII.  On  dwelling  with  the  lowly  Seed  of  Life  in  all 

Conditions.— To  M.  Hiorns     .       .       .  .269 
cm.  On  Prejudices  against  Anointed  Ministers.  —  To 

his  Brother   271 

CIV.  Of  the  Church  and  Ministry.    In  reply  to  an 
Answer  of  I.  H.  to  somewhat  written  on  behalf 

of  Truth  276 

A.ccount  of  Lady  Conway  279 


LETTERS 

OP 

ISAAC  PENINGTON". 


LETTER  L 
On  the  Pare,  Living,  Spiritual  Food. 
To  THE  Friends  at  Chalfont,  in  Buckinghamshieb. 

O  Friends  !  Feed  on  the  tree  of  life ;  feed  on  the 
measure  of  life,  and  the  pure  power  thereof,  which  God 
hath  revealed,  and  raanifesteth  in  you.  Do  ye  know  your 
food,  do  ye  remember  the  taste  and  relish  of  it?  Then 
keep  to  it,  and  do  not  meddle  with  that  which  seeraeth 
very  desirable  to  the  other  eye,  and  very  able  to  make 
wise.  O  abide  in  the  simplicity  that  is  in  Christ,  in  the 
naked  truth  that  ye  have  felt  there !  and  there,  ye  will  be 
able  to  know  and  distinguish  your  food,  which  hath  several 
names  in  Scripture,  but  is  all  one  and  the  same  thing :  — 
the  bread,  the  milk,  the  water,  the  wine,  the  flesh  and 
blood  of  Him  that  came  down  from  heaven,  &c.  John  vi. 
51,  &c., —  it  is  the  same,  only  it  is  given  forth  weaker  and 
stronger,  according  to  the  capacity  of  him  that  receiveth 
it ;  and  so  hath  different  names  given  to  it  accordingly. 

O  keep  out  of  that  wisdom,  which  knoweth  not  the 
thing  ;  for  that  is  it,  which  also  stumbles  about  the  names. 
But  keep  to  the  principle  of  life  —  keep  to  the  seed  of  the 

21 


22 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAp  PENINGTON. 


kingdom  —  feed  on  that  which  was  from  the  beginning.  Is 
not  this  meat  indeed,  and  drink  indeed !  flesh  indeed,  and 
blood  indeed !  The  Lord  hath  advanced  you  to  that 
ministration  of  life  and  power,  wherein  things  are  known 
above  and  beyond  names  ;  wherein  the  life  is  revealed  and 
felt,  beyond  what  words  can  utter.  O  dwell  in  your  habi- 
tations ;  and  feed  on  the  food  which  God  brings  you  into 
your  habitations  ;  which  is  pure,  living,  s])iritual,  and  will 
cause  your  souls  and  spirits  more  and  more  to  live  in  and 
to  God,  as  ye  eat  and  drink  thereof  So,  be  not  shaken  or 
disquieted  by  the  wisdom  of  the  flesh  ;  but  feel  that  which 
settleth  and  establisheth  in  the  pure  power. 

And  the  Lord  God  preserve  you,  and  give  you  to  watch 
against,  and  to  feel  victory  and  dominion  over,  all  that  is 
contrary  to  Him  in  any  of  you ;  and  which  stands  in  the 
way  of  your  fellowship  with  Him,  and  of  your  joy  and 
peace  in  Him. 

This  sprang  unto  you  in  the  good  will  of  your  Father, 
from  the  life  and  love  of  your  brother  in  the  Truth, 

L  P. 

Aylesbury  Goal, 
18th  of  Fifth  month,  1667. 


LETTER  IL 

Christ  the  Root  of  all  True  Eeligion,  &c. 

To  Thomas  Walmsley. 

Deak  Friend. —  There  is  somewhat  on  my  heart  this 
morning  to  write  to  thee,  in  the  same  love  wherein  I  have 
hitherto  written,  which  I  feel  to  be  pure,  of  God,  and  un- 
feigned towards  thee  and  all  men  ;  though  it  also  putteth 
a  diflference  between  those  that  are  renewed  by  him  and 
bear  his  image,  and  those  who  have  only  a  form  of  relig- 


LETTERS    OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  23 


ion,  without  the  power  and  life  thereof,  which  sanctifies 
and  redeems  up  to  God,  wherever  it  is  received. 

That  which  was  on  ray  heart  to  thee,  in  true,  pure,  and 
tender  love,  is  this  which  follows  : 

All  true  religion  hath  a  true  root ;  and  that  religion, 
profession,  worship,  faith,  hope,  peace,  assurance,  &c.,  which 
groweth  not  from  the  true  root,  is  not  true. 

Now,  this  root  is  near,  and  must  be  felt  near,  hearing 
the  branch,  and  causing  it  to  bring  forth  fruit.  It  is  not 
enough  to  hear  of  Christ,  or  read  of  Christ ;  but  this  is 
the  thing, —  to  feel  him  my  root,  my  life,  my  foundation  ; 
and  my  soul  engrafted  into  him  by  him  who  hath  power 
to  ingraft.  To  feel  repentance  given  me  by  him,  faith  given 
me  by  him,  the  Father  revealed  and  made  known  to  me 
by  him,  by  the  pure  shinings  of  his  light  in  my  heart ; 
God,  who  caused  the  light  to  shine  out  of  darkness,  caus- 
ing it  to  shine  there ;  so  that,  in  and  through  him,  I  come 
to  know,  not  the  Son  himself  only,  but  the  Father  also  :  — 
and  then,  to  come  out  of  the  darkness,  out  of  the  sin,  out 
of  the  pollutions  of  the  spirit  of  this  world,  into  the  pure, 
holy  fellowship  of  the  living,  by  his  holy  guidance  and 
conduct ;  and  so,  to  feel  all  my  prayers,  all  my  comforts, 
all  my  willingness,  all  my  ability  to  do  and  suffer  for  God 
and  the  testimony  of  his  Truth,  to  arise  from  this  holy, 
pure  root  of  life,  which  gives  daily  strength  against  sin 
and  death,  to  all  who  wait  in  true  humility,  and  pure  sub- 
jection of  soul  and  spirit,  upon  him  :  —  here,  is  unspeak- 
able comfort  and  satisfaction  given  by  him  to  the  soul, 
which  all  the  reasonings  of  men,  with  all  the  devices  of 
Satan,  cannot  damp.  For,  He  who  gave  it,  preserves 
and  maintains  it,  over  all  the  strength  that  can  assault  it. 

O  Friend  !  I  beseech  thee,  mind  this  ;  come,  O  come  to 
the  true  i-oot !  come  to  Christ  indeed !  Rest  not  in  an 
outward  knowledge  ;  but  come  to  the  inward  life,  the 
hidden  life,  and  receive  life  from  him  who  is  the  life ;  and 


24 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


then  abide  in  and  live  to  God  in  the  life  of  his  Son.  For 
death  and  destruction,  corruption  and  vanity,  may  talk 
of  the  fame  of  Christ,  who  is  the  wisdom  of  God;  but  they 
cannot  know  nor  find  out  the  place  where  this  wisdom  is 
revealed  ;  they  cannot  come  at  the  true,  pure  fear,  which 
God  puts  into  the  hearts  of  his ;  this  is  the  beginning  of 
the  true  Avisdom,  which  cleanses  darkness  and  impurity 
out  of  the  hearts  of  those  to  whom  it  is  given.  For  light 
expelleth  darkness  ;  life  expelleth  death  ;  purity  expelleth 
impurity  ;  Christ,  where  he  is  received,  bindeth  and  casts 
out  the  strong  man,  taking  possession  of  the  heart.  And 
if  any  man  be  truly  and  really  in  Christ,  he  comes  to  wit- 
ness a  new  creation,  even  the  passing  away  of  old  things, 
and  all  things  becoming  new. 

Christ  is  faithful  in  all  his  house,  ("  whose  house  are 
we,"  saith  the  Apostle,  "  if  we  hold  fast  the  confidence,  and 
the  rejoicing  of  the  hope,  firm  unto  the  end,"  Heb.  iii.  6,) 

—  faithful  as  a  Son,  who  comes  in  the  name  and  authority 
of  the  Father,  to  do  Avhatsoever  is  to  be  done  in  the  heart 

—  faithful  in  discovering  whatever  is  contrary  to  God 
there  —  faithful  in  engaging  his  power  against  it.  And 
shall  not  his  power  prevail  ?  and  where  it  doth  prevail, 
and  the  good  pleasure  of  God's  goodness  is  fulfilled,  and 
the  work  of  faith  with  power,  is  not  the  name  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  glorified  there?  Read  2  Thess.  i.  11, 12,  and 
consider.  Did  Christ  overcome  the  devil  in  that  body  of 
his  flesh,  and  shall  He  not  overcome  him  in  the  hearts  of 
his  children  by  the  power  of  his  Spirit,  which  he  received 
of  the  Father  to  comfort  them,  and  carry  on  his  work 
gloriously  in  them  ?  What  shall  become  of  those  that  do 
not  fight  under  Christ,  and  overcome  through  Christ? 
Read  Rev.  iii.  21.  I  would  not  have  thee  deceived  of  thy 
soul,  or  of  that  religion  which  saves  the  soul,  which  relig- 
ion stands  not  in  word,  but  in  power.  Therefore,  wait  to 
feel  the  Spirit  and  power  of  Christ,  saving  thee  from  that, 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTOX. 


25 


Avliic'h  nothing  else  can  save  tlice  fi-om  ;  and  bringing  that 
down  in  thee  under  his  feet,  which  nothing  else  can  bring 
down. 

This  is  from  the  tnio  desire  which  ray  soul  hath,  after 
the  eternal  salvation  and  satisfaction  of  thine.       I.  P. 
28th  of  First  month,  1670. 


LETTER  III. 

Of  a  growtli  in  Grace,  amidst  Distressing  Exercises  of  Spirit. 
To  Bridget  Atley. 

My  dear  Friend, —  If  thy  heart  come  to  feel  the  seed 
of  God,  and  to  wait  upon  him  in  the  measure  of  his  life, 
he  will  be  tender  of  thee  as  a  father  of  his  child,  and  his 
love  will  be  naturally  breaking  forth  towards  thee.  This 
is  the  end  of  all  his  dealings  with  thee,  to  bring  thee  hither, 
to  make  thee  fit  and  capable  of  entering  and  abiding  here. 
And  he  hath  changed,  and  doth  change  thy  spirit  daily; 
though  it  be  as  the  shooting  up  of  the  corn,  whose  growth 
cannot  be  discerned  at  present  by  the  most  observing  eye, 
but  it  is  very  manifest  afterwards  that  it  hath  grown.  My 
heart  is  refreshed  for  tliy  sake,  rejoicing  in  the  Lord's 
goodness  towards  thee ;  and  that  the  blackness  of  dark- 
ness begins  to  scatter  from  thee,  though  the  enemy  be  still 
striving  the  same  way  to  enter  and  distress  thee  again. 
But  wait  to  feel  the  relieving  measure  of  life,  and  heed 
not  distressing  thoughts,  when  they  rise  ever  so  strongly 
in  thee ;  nay,  though  they  have  entered  thee,  fear  them 
not,  but  he  dill  awhile,  not  believing  in  thepoiver  which  thou 
fcclest  they  have  over-  thee,  and  it  will  fall  on  a  sudden. 

It  is  good  for  thy  spirit,  and  greatly  to  tliy  advantage, 
to  be  much  and  variously  exercised  by  tlio  Lord.  Thou 
dost  not  kuov;  v>  hat  the  Lord  hath  already  done,  and  what 
3 


26 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


he  is  yet  doing  for  thee  therein.  Ah  !  how  precious  it  is 
to  be  poor,  weak,  low,  empty,  naked,  distressed  for  Christ's 
sake,  that  way  may  be  made  for  the  power  and  glory  of  his 
life  in  the  heart.  And,  O  learn,  daily  more  and  more,  to 
trust  him  and  hope  in  him,  and  not  to  be  aifrighted  with 
any  amazement,  nor  to  be  taken  up  with  the  sight  of  the 
present  thing;  but  wait  for  the  shutting  of  thy  own 
eye  upon  every  occasion,  and  for  the  opening  of  the  eye 
of  God  in  thee,  and  for  the  sight  of  things  therewith,  as 
they  are  from  him.  It  is  no  matter  what  the  enemy  strives 
to  do  in  thy  heart,  nor  how  distressed  thy  condition  is,  but 
what  the  Lord  will  do  for  thee,  wliich  is  with  [)atience  to 
be  waited  for  at  his  season  in  every  condition.  And  though 
sin  overtake,  let  not  that  bow  down  ;  nor  let  the  eye  open 
in  thee,  which  stands  poring  at  that :  but  wait  for  the  heal- 
ing through  the  chastisement,  and  know  there  is  an  Advo- 
cate, who,  in  that  hour,  hath  an  office  of  love  and  a  faith- 
ful heart  towards  thee.  Yea,  though  thou  canst  not 
believe,  yet  be  not  dismayed  thereat ;  thy  Advocate,  who 
undertakes  thy  cause,  hath  faith  to  give :  only  do  thou 
sink  into,  or  at  least  pant  after  the  hidden  measure  of  life, 
which  is  not  in  that  which  distresseth,  disturbeth,  and  filleth 
thee  with  thoughts,  fears,  troubles,  anguish.,  darknesses,  ter- 
rors, and  the  like ;  no,  no !  but  in  that  wliich  inclines  to 
the  patience,  to  the  stillness,  to  the  hope,  to  the  waiting,  to 
the  silence  before  the  Fatlier:  this  is  the  sariie  in  nature, 
with  the  most  refreshing  and  glorious-visiting  life,  though 
not  the  same  in  appearance ;  and  if  thy  mind  be  turned 
to  it,  not  minding  but  overlooking  the  other,  thou  wilt 
find  some  of  the  same  virtue  springing  up  in  thy  heart 
and  soul,  at  least  to  stay  thee. 

In  and  through  these  things,  tliou  wilt  become  deeply 
acquainted  with  the  nature  of  God,  and  know  the  won- 
derful riches  and  virtue  of  his  life,  the  mightiness  of  his 
power,  and  the  preciousuess  of  his  love,' tenderness  of  his 


LETTERS   OP   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  27 


mercy,  and  infiuiteuess  of  his  wisdom,  the  glory  also,  and 
exactness  of  his  righteousness,  &c. :  thou  wilt  be  made 
large  in  spirit  to  receive  and  drink  iu  abundantly  of  them  ; 
and  the  snares  of  the  enemy  will  be  so  known  to  thee  and 
discerned,  the  way  of  help  so  manifest  and  easy,  that  their 
strength  will  be  broken,  and  the  poor  entangled  bird  will 
fly  away  singing,  from  the  nets  and  entanglements  of  the 
fowler ;  and  praises  will  spring  up,  and  gi'eat  love  in  thy 
heart  to  the  Forgiver  and  Redeemer.  O  wait,  hope,  trust, 
look  up  to  thy  God  !  look  over  that  which  stands  between  ; 
come  into  his  mercy !  let  in  the  faith  which  openeth  the  way 
of  life,  which  will  shut  out  the  distrusting  and  doubting 
mind,  and  will  close  up  the  wrong  eye,  that  letteth  in  reas- 
onings and  temptations,  the  wrong  sense,  and  death  with 
them. 

Thus  mayest  thou  witness,  in  and  through  thy  Redeemer, 
the  abundance  of  his  life  and  i^eace.  I.  P. 


LETTER  IV. 

On  the  State  of  the  Puritans,  and  of  Friends. 

The  Lord  God  of  lieaven  and  earth,  who  searcheth  the 
heart  and  trieth  the  reins,  knows,  that  we,  who  are  called 
Quakers,  have  no  secret  thijigs  or  hidden  principles  among 
us  to  win  people  to ;  but,  as  we  have  ourselves  been  won 
to  the  simplicity  and  i)lainness  of  Truth,  as  it  is  iu  Christ 
Jesus,  and  walk  therein,  so  it  is  the  single  desire  of  our 
hearts  to  bring  men  thithei',  where  they  may  have  the 
demonstration  of  God's  Spirit,  and  hear  the  true  witness 
speaking  truth  in  their  own  consciences.  And  indeed, 
it  was  great  matter  of  satisfaction  to  our  hearts,  when  the 
Lord  turned  us  to  his  Truth,  that  we  found  it  to  be  no 
new  thing,  but  that  which  we  had  witnessed  and  expe- 
rienced in  the  days  of  our  former  profession.    For,  we  well 


28 


LETTERS    OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


remembered,  that  we  had  been  acquainted  with  it  then ; 
and  God  now  gives  us  the  true  and  certain  sense,  that  all 
the  prayers,  and  knowledge,  and  understanding  of  the 
Scriptures,  faith,  love,  zeal,  meekness,  patience,  humility, 
and  whatever  we  then  had,  which  was  dear  unto  us,  and 
precious  in  the  eye  of  God,  came  from  this  Spirit  of  life, 
this  principle  of  life,  which  God  hath  now  manifested  to 
us,  and  turned  our  minds  unto.  And,  O,  that  they,  who 
yet  speak  against  it,  knew  it,  as  the  Lord  hath  given  us  to 
know !  surely  they  could  not  then  either  think  or  speak 
so  hardly  of  it  as  they  do.  ^  But  Christ  was  the  Son  of  God 
in  his  appearance  in  flesh,  whatever  the  wise  men  and  pro- 
fessors of  that  age  judged  and  spake  of  him.  And  this 
is  the  appearance  and  manifestation  of  the  same  Christ 
inwardly,  even  the  same  virtue,  life,  and  power,  which  ap- 
peared in  that  body  of  flesh,  whatever  the  professors  of  this 
age  think  or  speak  concerning  it ;  and  they  are  not  guilt- 
less before  the  Lord,  but  deeply  guilty  for  rising  up 
against  it. 

There  was  a  precious  appearance  of  God,  among  that 
sort  that  were  called  Puritans,  before  there  was  such  a  rent 
among  them,  by  falling  into  several  ways  of  worship. 
There  was  among  them  great  sincerity,  and  love,  and  ten- 
derness, and  unity  in  that  which  was  true ;  minding  the 
work  of  God  in  themselves,  and  being  sensible  of  grace  and 
truth  in  one  another's  hearts.  Now,  to  desire  to  know  the 
true  worship,  this  was  good  ;  but,  every  one  that  had  this 
desire,  was  not  acquainted  with  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord,  nor 
did  wait  aright  on  him,  to  be  led  by  him  into  the  true 
worship,  but  followed  the  apprehensions  and  conceivings 
of  tlieir  own  minds  upon  the  Scriptures.  Now,  had  these 
known  the  true  Leader,  they  would  never  thus  have  wan- 
dered, nor  have  been  so  scattered  from  the  Puritan  state, 
which  was  better  than  any  of  these.  For,  is  it  possible, 
if  the  Spirit  of  God  had  been  the  Leader  of  these,  they 


LETTERS   OF    ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


29 


could  thus  have  wandered  from  the  truth,  life,  love  and 
sense,  into  a  barren  dead  state  in  comparison  of  that  ?  It 
is  true,  there  was  a  sincerity  and  simplicity  in  many  of 
them  ;  but  Avas  not  that  sincerity  and  simplicity  betrayed, 
and  drawn  out  to  seek  the  living  among  the  dead,  among 
dead  forms,  ways,  and  worships  ?  For,  though  they  car- 
ried some  life  with  them  into  their  forms,  yet  by  degrees 
the  form  grew,  and  the  virtue  and  power  of  godliness  de- 
creased, and  they  were  swallowed  up  in  high  esteem  of, 
and  contendings,  each  sort,  for  their  forms ;  but  them- 
selves had  lost  what  they  were  inwardly  to  God,  and  had 
inwardly  received  from  God  in  the  days  of  their  former 
zeal  and  tenderness.  O  that  they  could  see  this  !  O  that 
they  could  return  to  their  Puritan  state,  to  the  sense  they 
then  had,  the  love  and  tenderness  that  was  then  in  them, 
to  the  feeling  of  the  principle  of  life,  ivhich  they  then  felt, 
and  which  then  wrought  in  them!  though,  they  then  dis- 
tinctly knew  it  not,  yet  they  loved  that  which  gathered 
their  minds  to  God,  and  in  which  they  felt  ability  to  pray,- 
and  which  opened  the  ScrijJtures  and  the  things  of  God, 
and  warmed  their  hearts  truly  and  livingly  in  some  meas- 
ure. O  that  they  were  but  there  again  !  they  might  soon 
come  further.  O  that  they  knew  their  state,  as  it  is  known 
in  the  light  of  the  Lord,  and  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord ! 
The  Lord  open  the  true  eye  in  them,  and  give  them  to  see 
therewith.  I.  P. 

Eeading  Gaol, 
19th  of  Seventh  Month,  1670. 
3* 


30        LETTERS  OF  ISAAC  PENINGTOK. 


LETTER  V. 

The  Compassion  of  tlie  Shepherd  of  the  Flock  towards  the  weak, 
&c.    How  they  should  follow  Him. 

To  Friends. —  He  that  is  weak  and  foolish  among  the 
lambs,  continually  ready  to  wander,  both  out  of  the  past- 
ures and  from  the  fold,  and  thus  to  betray  his  life  into 
the  hands  of  the  enemy  ;  —  he  who  is  continually  scatter- 
ing and  squandering  away  what  the  Lord  in  mercy  gathers 
for  him,  and  freely  bestows  upon  him ;  who,  through 
drowsiness  and  carelessness,  hath  lost  the  benefit  of,  and 
forfeited  the  sweet  and  tender  visitations  of  the  Most 
High,  and  is  now  become  dry,  dead,  barren,  thick,  earthy  ;— 
O  my  God  !  let  that  soul  feel  the  stirrings  of  the  springs  of 
life,  and  find  some  ^encouragements  fi-om  thee,  to  hope  in 
the  free  and  large  mercies  of  the  Shepherd  of  Israel,  who 
casteth  not  off  his  sheep  because  of  their  wanderings,  be- 
■cause  of  their  backslidings,  because  of  their  infirmities, 
because  of  their  diseases,  nay,  not  because  of  their  hard- 
ness ;  but  pursues  them  with  his  love,  findeth  them  out, 
visiteth.with  his  correcting  hand  according  to  their  need, 
woundeth  with  his  sword,  and  melteth  in  his  fire,  until  he 
hath  made  them  tender  and  pliable,  and  then  he  pours 
in  the  fresh  oil  of  his  salvation  and  sweetly  healeth  them. 

O  my  Friends  and  brethren  in  the  pure  life !  be  faith- 
ful to  the  Lord  in  returning  him  all  the  incomes  of  his 
Spirit ;  follow  on  in  every  drawing  of  his  love,  while  any 
of  the  virtue  of  it  lasts  upon  your  spirits.  Walk  with  him 
all  the  day  long,  and  wait  for  him  all  the  night  season. 
And,  in  case  of  erring  from  him,  or  sinning  grievously 
against  him,  be  not  discouraged  ;  for  he  is  a  God  of  mer- 
cies, and  delighteth  in  pardoning  and  forgiving  much  and 
very  often.  What  tender  mother  can  be  more  ready  to 
forgive  and  embrace  the  child,  that  appears  broken  and 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


31 


afflicted  with  her  sore  displeasure  !  Yea,  He  gives  broken- 
ness,  he  melteth  the  heart,  that  he  may  be  tender  towards, 
and  embrace  it  in  his  arras  of  reconciliation,  and  in  the 
peace  of  liis  Spirit. 

O  my  dear  companions,  and  fellow-travellers  in  spirit 
towards  the  land  of  the  living !  aU  the  motions  of  the  life 
are  cross  to  the  corrupt  [part]  — dwell  [in  the  life,]  draw 
the  yoke  close  about  your  necks,  that  ye  may  come  into 
unity  with  the  life,  and  the  corrupt  be  worn  out.  Take 
the  yoke,  the  cross,  the  contrariety  of  Jesus  upon  your 
spirits  daily ;  that  that  may  be  worn  out  which  hinders 
the  unity,  and  so,  ye  may  feel  your  King  and  Saviour  ex- 
alted upon  his  throne  in  your  hearts :  this  is  your  rest, 
peace,  life,  kingdom,  and  crown  forever.  L  P. 


LETTER  VL 

On  Searching  for  the  Hidden  Treasure,  and  selling  all  for  it. 

To  Catherine  Pordage. 

Feiend,  —  Thy  estate  and  condition  hath  been  pretty 
much  with  me,  since  I  last  saw  thee.  I  am  sensible  how 
hard  it  is  for  thee,  to  give  up  to  be  reached  by  the  seed 
and  power  of  life ;  how  readily  and  easily  thy  ear  and 
heart  is  opened  to  another,  and  the  adulterer  entertained, 
who  hunteth  after  the  precious  life.  This  word  of  advice 
hath  been  much  in  my  heart  to  thee  this  morning :  Sit 
down,  and  count  the  cost  of  ploughing  up  thy  field,  and 
of  searching  after  the  hidden  treasure  of  pure  and  true 
wisdom,  and  consider  seriously,  whether  thou  canst  sell  all 
for  it,  both  inward  and  outward  riches ;  that,  if  thou  do 
set  thy  hand  to  the  plough,  thou  maystnot  look  back  after 
anything  else,  within  or  without,  but  mayest  be  content 
and  satisfied  with  the  pearl  of  true  wisdom  and  life  alone. 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PEXINGTON. 


Now,  if  thou  be  truly  willing  in  God's  sight  thus  to  do, 
thou  must  singly  give  up  to  follow  the  Lord  in  the  lead- 
ings of  his  Spirit,  out  of  all  the  ways  of  thy  own  wisdom 
and  knowledge,  out  of  all  things  whereru  thou  hast  a  life 
and  delight  out  of  him  ;  thou  must  not  determine  what 
thou  hast  a  life  in,  but  the  Lord  must  search  thy  heart, 
and  he  will  soon  show  thee  (if  thy  heart  be  naked  and 
open  before  him,  willing  to  hear  and  learn  of  him,)  some- 
what in  thy  heart,  somewhat  in  thy  ways,  somewhat  in 
thy  words,  thoughts,  &c.,  which  is  contrary  to  his  pure  life 
and  Spirit ;  and  then,  that  must  be  denied  and  given  up 
immediately.  Aud  afterwards,  perhaps  the  Lord  will  soou 
discover  to  thee  another  lover,  which  hath  had  more  of  thy 
heart  than  thou  hast  been  aware  of ;  and  so,  thou  must 
part  with  one  after  another,  until  thou  hast  parted  with 
all :  and  this  will  prepare  thee  for  the  bosom  of  thy  Be- 
loved, who  is  a  jealous  God,  and  seeth  not  with  the  eye 
wherewith  man  seeth.    But,  if  thou  be  not  thus  singly 
given  up,  though  thou  should  put  thy  hand  to  the  plough, 
thou  wilt  be  looking  back  some  time  or  other:  and  that 
wisdom  which  draweth  aside  from  the  Lord,  will  blind  thy 
eye  and  deceive  thy  mind,  and  draw  thee  from  the  sim- 
plicity and  nakedness  of  Truth,  into  some  image  or  other 
of  it,  so  that  instead  of  the  pure  Truth  itself,  thou  wilt 
believe  and  embrace  a  lie. 

Thou  hast  travelled  long  in  the  heights  above  the  seed  ; 
O!  consider,  if  that  be  not  yet  standing  in  thee,  which 
could  not  have  been  found  standing,  if  thou  hadst  known 
the  true  seed,  aud  travelled  therewith.  This  enhances  the 
price  of  Truth  as  to  thee,  that  thou  must  part  with  more 
for  it,  than  will  be  required  of  many  others ;  yet,  if  thou 
be  faithful  to  the  Lord,  and  diligently  follow  him  in  the 
simplicity.  Truth  will  at  length  recompense  thee  for  all 
thy  labours,  sorrows,  and  travels.  But  a  thorough  work 
will  the  Lord  make  in  thy  earth,  if  thou  singly  give  up 


LETTERS   OF    ISAAC  PENINGTOK. 


33 


unto  liim,  and  faithfully  follow  ;  and  many  devices  wilt 
thou  meet  with,  to  turn  thy  mind  out  of  the  way,  and  to 
cause  tiice  to  shun  the  bitterness  of  the  cross,  and  to 
kindle  and  nourish  a  hope  in  thee,  that  thou  mayest  find 
a  more  easy  way  to  the  same  life  and  everlasting  sub- 
stance. The  Lord  hath  reached  to  thee,  and  the  Lc^rd  is 
•willing  to  search  thy  heart,  to  find  out  the  deceiver'  and 
enemy  in  his  most  secret  lurking-places  ;  but,  when  the 
Lord  hath  found  him  out,  thou  must  give  him  up  to  God's 
stroke,  and  not  suffer  him  to  find  a  shelter  in  thy  mind 
to  save  him  therefrom.  For  he  is  very  subtle,  and  will 
twist  and  twine  all  manner  of  ways  to  deceive  thee  and 
save  himself ;  nor  art  thou  yet  acquainted  with,  or  able  to 
discern  his  devices.  The  Lord  alone  can  help  thee  —  and 
he  will  help  thee,  if  thou  be  not  hasty  to  join  with  the 
enemy,  nor  give  up  thy  judgment  to  believe  what  he  repre- 
sents, and  seems  inwardly  to  represent  to  thee  as  true ;  but 
abide  and  dwell  in  the  sense  of  thy  own  inability  to  judge, 
waiting  to  feel  that  which  is  true,  pure,  and  living  of  God, 
judge  in  thee,  not  so  much  in  demonstrations  of  wisdom, 
as  in  tender  and  secret  drawings  of  the  beginnings  of  a 
new  nature,  away  from  what  is  of  an  earthly  nature.  For, 
thou  must  come  out  of  the  spirit  of  this  world,  if  thou  wilt 
come  into  God's  Spirit ;  and  thou  must  come  out  of  the 
love  of  the  things  of  this  world  ;  if  thou  wilt  come  out  of 
the  spirit  of  this  world  ;  for,  in  the  love  of  the  things  of 
this  world,  the  spirit  of  this  world  lodgeth  and  dwelleth, 
and  thou  canst  not  touch  the  unclean  thing,  but  thou  also 
touchest  somewhat  of  the  unclean  spirit.  Therefore,  said 
John,  from  a  true  and  deep  understanding,  "  Love  not  the 
world,  neither  the  things  of  the  world,"  (if  thou  love  the 
things  of  the  world,  thou  lovest  the  world,)  for,  "  if  any 
man  love  the  world,  the  love  of  the  Father  is  not  in  him." 

The  day  of  God's  mercy  and  visitation  is  upon  thee, 
who  is  visiting  that  spirit  in  thee  which  hath  led  thee 

C 


34 


LETTERS   OF    ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


aside,  even  with  the  judgmeut  proper  for  it;  that  Zion  in 
thee  might  be  thereby  redeemed,  and  thy  soul  converted 
to,  and  truly  brought  forth  in  righteousness.  I.  P. 

llth  of  Fh-st  Montli,  1670. 


LETTER  VIL 

A  Christian  Salutation. 
To  Elizabeth  Walmsley. 

Dear  Friend, —  My  heart  was  exceedingly  melted 
within  me  at  the  reading  of  thy  precious  and  tender  hues  ; 
yea,  indeed,  I  Avas  quite  overcome,  and  was  fain  several 
times  to  break  off,  the  freshness  and  strength  of  life  in 
them  did  so  flow  in  upon  me-;  ^aud  I  said,  again  and 
again,  in  my  heart.  It  is  the  very  voice  of  my  Father's 
child,  whose  sound  did  deeply  reach  to,  and -refresh  my 
very  soul.  And  this  my  heart  saith,  Blessed  be  my  God, 
for  his  tender  mercies  to  thee,  in  visiting,  leading,  and  pre- 
serving thee  to  this  day,  and  for  teaching  his  seed  thus  to 
speak  in  thee.  Oh !  let  his  praise  live  and  abound  in  thy 
breast  forever.  And  in  the  flowiugs  and  streamings  of 
this  life,  remember  me  at  the  throne  of  my  Father's  mercy, 
by  which  alone  I  live,  and  have  hope  before  him. 

May  the  mercies,  blessing,  and  pure  presence  of  my 
God,  fill  thy  soul,  and  rest  upon  thee  forever !  Amen ! 
Amen ! 

Thus  prayeth  for  thee  thy  unfeigned  Friend,  and  dear 
lover  of  the  pure  seed  of  life  in  thee,  I.  P. 

Mind  m.y  dear  love  to  thy  sister,  whose  inward  welfare 
and  prosperity  I  desire,  even  that  she  may  be  one  with 
thee  in  the  seed  and  life  of  God. 

Aylesbuky  Gaol, 
19th  of  Eighth  Month,  1665. 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  35 


LETTER  VIII. 

On  Christ  being  Manifested  Within,  and  the  Sprinkling  of  His 
Blood  Inwardly. 

To  Thomas  Walmsley. 

Friend  T.  W., —  God  is  love :  and  he  giveth  love,  and 
teacheth  to  love ;  and  with  the  love  which  my  God  hath 
given  me,  and  wherewith  he  hath  tatight  me  to  love,  have 
I  loved  thee,  and  sought  the  everlasting  good  of  thy  soul, 
even  as  of  ray  own. 

This  morning,  the  consideration  of  thee  was  strong  upon 
my  spirit,  how  that  thou  wast  stricken  in  years,  and  must 
shortly  pass  out  of  this  world,  and  give  an  account  to 
God ;  and  this  earnest  desire  was  in  my  heart,  that  thou 
mightst  be  fitted  and' rightly  prepared,  to  give  such  an 
account,  as  the  Lord,  the  great,  righteous,  and  impartial 
Judge,  might  own  and  approve  of,  to  thy  eternal  joy  ;  for 
wliich  end,  two  things  Avere  upon  my  heart  to  propose  to 
thee,  to  be  rightly  considered  by  thee. 

One  is,  whether  thou  canst  truly  say,  as  in  God's  sight, 
that  thou  hast  known  and  experienced  Christ  within, 
redeeming  thee  from  sin  within  f  Hath  Christ  indeed 
brought  salvation  home  to  thy  heart?  Hast  thou  known 
his  inward  living  power,  breaking  the  strength  and  power 
of  Satan  within  thee?  Hast  thou  known  Him  stronger 
than  the  strong  man  inwardly?  Hast  thou  first  known 
Christ  knock  at  the  door  of  thy  heart,  and  opened  to  and 
let  him  in ;  and  afterwards  experienced  what  he  doth  in 
the  heart,  where  he  is  let  in  ?  Or  hast  thou  had  only  a 
notional  knowledge  aud  belief  concerning  Christ  without, 
and  never  known  what  it  was  to  have  the  Son  revealed  in 
theef  Oh!  that  thou  mightst  know,  and  experimentally 
understand  this  Scripture,  before  thou  go  hence  and  be  no 


36         LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINOTON. 


more  seen, — "  If  Christ  be  in  you,  tlie  body  is  dead  because 
of  sin  ;  " —  and  this  other  also, — "  He  tliat  is  Christ's  liath 
crucified  the  flesh  with  the  affections  and  lusts."  The 
Lord  God  make  thee  truly  weighty  and  serious,  and 
rightly  considerate,  and  give  thee  true,  unerring  judgment; 
that  thou  mayst  not  be  deceived  about  this  thing,  which 
is  of  such  deep  and  evei'lastiug  concernment  to  thy  soul ! 

The  other  is,  whether  thou  dost  experience  the  sprink- 
ling of  the  blood  of  the  Lord  Jesus  upon  thy  conscience? 
The  Jews  were  saved  by  the  S2)rinkling  of  the  blood  of 
the  lamb  outwardly.  The  Lamb  of  God  taketh  away  the 
sins  of  the  world,  by  the  sprinkling  of  his  blood  inwardly. 
Now,  I  beseech  thee,  consider :  hast  thou  only  a  notion  of 
Christ's  blood  as  it  was  shed  without,  or  dost  thou  also 
know  the  sprinkling  within  in  thy  own  heart?  Hath  God 
made  that  new  covenant,  the  everlasting  covenant  with 
thee,  wherein  the  blood  of  sprinkling  is  felt,  and  the 
precious  effects  of  it  experienced?  for  then,  indeed,  iniqui- 
ties are  forgiven,  and  sin  remembered  no  more;  but  the 
soul  comes  to  witness  real  justification  from  sin,  and  that 
peace  which  i;)asseth  understanding,  which  no  man  can 
give  or  take  away ;  neither  doth  any  man  know  what  it  is, 
but  he  that  hath  it.  O  that  thou  mayst  know  the  right- 
eousness of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  be  clothed  with  it, 
that  thou  mayst  stand  justified  in  God's  sight  forever,  at 
that  great  day !  I.  P. 

12th  of  Eleventh  Month,  1677. 

LETTER  IX. 

The  Way  of  God's  Kedemption  is  above  the  Ways  of  Man's 
Wisdom. 

DEAR  Friend, —  This  then  is  the  way  of  redemp- 
tion ;  to  wait  to  feel  the  appearance  of  the  light  of  the 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


37 


Spirit  in  the  heart;  and,  at  its  least  or  lowest  appearance, 
to  be  turned  from  tlie  darkness  towards  it.  Oh  !  feel  the 
redeeming  arm  in  thine  own  heart,  and  know  the  love 
which  stretcheth  it  forth,  and  take  heed  of  being  preju- 
diced against  its  inward  visitations  to  thee :  for,  there  is 
that  near  thee  which  would  darken  thee,  and  keep  the 
seed  of  life  in  bondage.  I  know  there  is  that  in  thee, 
which  pants  and  is  not  satisfied,  somewhat  that  thirsts 
after  the  living  waters.  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  saith, 
Come,  come  to  the  fountain  of  eternal  life ;  drink,  and 
live. 

0  Lord  my  God  !  discover  to  the  thirsty  souls,  what  it 
is  that  withholds  them  from  the  living  waters;  that  they 
may  not  labour  and  spend  their  strength  in  vain,  in  duties 
and  ordinances  invented  by  man,  for  that  which  may  lull 
asleep  for  the  present,  but  can  never  quiet  the  cry  of  the 
living  seed,  nor  ever  satisfy  the  soul. 

1  know  thy  snare :  there  is  a  building  in  the  earthly 
wisdom,  a  knowledge  which  thou  boldest  in  the  compre- 
hension, out  of  the  living  feeling  of  that  light,  from  which 
the  true  knowledge  springs,  and  in  which  alone  it  is  held. 
Thou  must  know  the  rasing  of  this  building,  the  confound- 
ing and  scattering  of  this  knowledge ;  that  the  true  heir 
of  the  true  knowledge  may  spring,  and  thou  mayst  feel  the 
babe  raised,  to  whom  God  reveals  the  mysteries  of  his 
kingdom ;  which  he  hides  from  the  wise'  professors  and 
teachers  in  this  age,  as  he  hath  done  in  all  ages.  Thou 
art  very  wise ;  but  thou  must  sell  all  that,  and  become  a 
very  fool,  if  thou  wilt  have  the  riches  and  everlasting 
treasure  of  the  kingdom. 

And,  if  thou  wouldst  draw  near  and  find  access  to  God 
in  prayer,  thou  must  wait  to  feel  the  birth  pray,  and  take 
heed  of  j^utting  up  requests  in  thy  own  wisdom,  and 
according  to  thy  own  will ;  for  these  are  the  prayers  of 
the  false-formed  child,  or  counterfeited  birth,  and  not  of 
4 


38 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


the  right  seed  ;  and  the  Father  knows  not,  nor  regards 
this  voice.  This  is  our  religion  :  to  feel  that,  which  God 
begets  in  our  hearts,  preserved  alive  by  God  ;  to  be  taught 
by  him  to  know  him,  to  worship,  and  live  to  him,  in  the 
leadings  and  by  the  power  of  his  Spirit :  and,  in  this 
religion  we  have  the  comforts  and  appearance  of  his 
Spirit;  which  are  past  all  the  disputings  and  questionings 
of  man's  wisdom,  yea,  and  of  our  own  hearts  also,  being 
demonstrated  and  made  manifest  to  our  sj^irits  in  a  higher 
j)riiiciple. 

I  found  my  heart  in  great  love  drawn  to  write  these 
things  to  thee ;  and  my  soul  pursueth  them  with  breath- 
ings to  the  Lord  my  God,  that  hereby,  or  by  what  other 
means  he  shall  see  good,  thou  mayst  be  drawn  into  true 
unity  and  fellowship  with  the  spring  of  eternal  life ;  and 
not  be  deceived  from  the  precious  enjoyment  of  the  God 
of  thy  lite  here,  or  of  the  salvation  of  thy  soul  forever. 
The  path  of  life  is  living ;  and  thy  feet  must  be  guided 
into  it,  and  walk  faithfully  in  it  to  the  end,  if  thou  wilt  sit 
down  iu  God's  eternal  rest  and  peace. 

I  have  been  long  desolate,  and  a  great  mourner  after 
my  God,  and  know  how  to  pity  and  weep  over  wandering 
souls;  though  I  cannot  but  rejoice  at  this  great  day  of 
salvation  and  powerful  visitation  of  God's  Spirit,  wherein 
he  hatli  sought  out  and  gathered  many  into  the  fold  of 
his  pure  rest,  wliere  he  is  become  their  living  Shepherd, 
and  daily  ministers  of  his  life  unto  them.  And  he  is  seek- 
ing out  many  more:  —  hajjpy  are  they,  that  know  and 
return  at  the  Shepherd's  voice,  when  he  calleth  after 
them. 

I  remain  thy  true,  entire,  faithful,  loving  Friend,  in  the 
love  and  good-will  of  the  Lord,  wishing  to  thy  soul  as  to 
my  own.  I.  P. 


LETTERS  OF 


ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


39 


LETTER  X. 

On  the  Gospel,  and  on  preaching  it ;  also  on  the  Scriptures,  &c. 

There  is  a  question  ariseth  iu  my  heart  to  tliee,  which 
is  this : 

How  is  the  everhvsting  gospel  (wherein  Christ  is  truly 
made  known,  and  salvation  really  witnessed  in  the  hearts 
of  those  that  receive  it,)  preached  at  this  day?  How 
hath  the  Lord  appointed  it  to  be  preached,  and  how  is  it 
preached,  and  how  many  men  come  to  hear  it,  that  their 
souls  may  live  ?  Are  not  they  blessed  that  hear  the  joy- 
ful sound  thereof?  Are  not  they  wretched,  and  miserable, 
and  blind,  and  naked,  who  mistake  and  miss  concerning 
the  sound  of  it,  which  it  pleaseth  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  to 
give  forth  in  this  our  day?  O  Friend!  I  beseech  thee, 
consider  it,  and  do  not  think  it  strange  that  I  propose  it 
to  thee  ;  for  he  that  would  find  the  gospel,  must  search 
where  it  is  hid  ;  and  it  is  hid  in  them  that  are  lost,  who 
go  astray  from  the  life  and  power  of  it. 

It  is  a  wonderful  thing,  to  those  whom  the  Lord  hath 
made  truly  sensible,  to  consider  how  the  Truth,  the  gospel, 
the  life,  the  power  which  saves,  is  one  and  the  same  in  all 
ages  and  generations,  and  yet,  still  hid  from  the  wise,  pru- 
dent, professing  eye  in  every  age  and  generation.  O 
Friend !  that  thou  didst  thoroughly  know  that  wise  and 
prudent  eye  in  thyself,  from  which  the  Lord  hides  it,  and 
that  eye,  which  perhaps  thou  wilt  not  call  prudent,  to 
which  the  Lord  opens  it. 

Now,  Friend,  let  me  speak  a  few  words  to  thee,  not  only 
from  what  I  have  felt  in  my  heart,  but  have  also  read  iu 
the  Scriptures  of  truth. 

The  gospel,  after  the  apostacy,  is  thus  to  be  preached, 


40 


LETTERS    OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


"  Fear  God,  and  give  glorj'  to  him  ;  for  the  hour  of  hia 
judgment  is  come;  and  worship  him  that  made  heaven, 
and  earth,"  &c.  Rev.  xiv.  7.  If  thou  knowest  the 
Preacher  that  preached  this,  if  thou  hast  heard  this 
preached  in  thine  own  heart,  if  thou  hast  met  with  that 
fear  there,  which  God's  Spirit  teacheth  and  giveth,  if  thou 
hast  known  the  hour  of  God's  judgment,  and  had  the  axe 
laid  to  the  root  of  the  tree ;  and  if  thou  hast  been  taught 
by  the  Son  to  worship  the  Father  in  Spirit  and  truth ; 
thou  hast,  without  doubt,  met  with  the  gospel,  the  ever- 
lasting gospel ;  and  if  God  require  of  thee,  and  assist  thee 
by  his  Spirit  and  power  to  preach  this  to  others,  thou  art 
a  preacher  of  the  everlasting  gospel,  and  an  able  minister 
of  the  New  Testament,  not  of  the  letter,  but  of  the  Spirit. 
But,  I  beseech  thee,  take  heed  of  preaching  thine  own 
formings  and  conceivings  upon  the  letter,  as  too  many  do 
in  this  day  ;  for  that  falls  short  of  true  preaching  the 
letter.  O  let  these  things  be  weighty  with  thee  !  that 
thou  mayst  learn  aright  to  search  and  understand  the 
Scriptures,  and  know  how  the  Father  hath  revealed  the 
Sou  in  this  day,  and  how  to  come  to  him,  to  receive  life 
from  him.  For  many,  through  ignorance,  mistake  in  this 
matter ;  and  so  run  on  in  their  own  wills,  wisdom,  and 
comprehension  of  things,  and  miss  of  the  drawiiigs  of  the 
Father ;  and  thus,  come  not  aright  to  the  Son,  but  only 
according  as  they  imagine  and  apprehend,  according  to 
what  they  have  gathered  and  conceived  upon  the  Scrip- 
tures. 

Friend,  God  who  caused  light  to  shine  in  this  outward 
world,  hath  judged  it  necessary  to  cause  the  light  of  his 
Spirit  to  shine  inwardly  in  the  heart;  and  this  gives  the 
knowledge  of  the  Scriptures,  and  the  true  sense  and  dis- 
cerning of  inward  and  spiritual  things.  Yea,  here  the 
Son  is  known,  and  his  blood  felt  cleansing;  which,  with- 
out this,  the  Scriptures  do  not  make  manifest;  but,  in  this, 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PEJTINGTOJf. 


41 


the  Scriptures  are  a  dear  aud  foithful  record  of  aud  testi- 
mony to  them.  O  take  heed  hoiv  thou  readest,  and  liow 
thou  uuderstaudest  the  Scriptures, —  in  what  light,  iu 
what  spirit !  for,  it  is  easy  erring ;  and  without  the  pres- 
ence aud  guidance  of  God's  Spirit  herein,  thou  canst  not 
walk  safely.  Aud  truly  it  is  great  presumption  in  any 
man  to  read  the  Scriptures  boldly,  and  without  fear  and 
reverence  to  Him  who  penned  them,  or  to  put  any  of  his 
own  meanings  and  conceivings  upon  God's  words  ;  which 
it  is  hard  for  him  to  forbear  to  do,  who  reads  them  in  the 
liberty  of  his  own  spirit,  out  of  the  light  of  God's  Spirit, 
which  is  the  limit  and  yoke  of  the  true  readers,  and  of 
those  who  understand  the  Scriptures.  I.  P. 

4th  of  Fourth  Month,— 


LETTER  XL 

The  Duty  of  being  Content  with  what  is  Made  Known. 

The  enemy  kindles  a  great  distress  in  the  mind,  by 
stirring  up  an  earnest  desire,  aud  a  sense  of  a  seeming 
necessity,  to  know.  When  a  motion  ariseth,  how  shall  I 
do,  to  know  whether  it  be  of  God  or  no  ?  For,  if  it  be  of 
God,  it  ought  to  be  obeyed  ;  and,  if  it  be  not  of  God,  it 
ought  to  be  resisted ;  but  what  shall  I  do,  who  cannot  tell 
what  it  is?  I  must  of  necessity  fall,  either  into  disobedi- 
ence to  God's  Spirit,  or  into  the  snares  of  the  enemy. 
Thus  the  enemy  raiseth  up  a  strength  in  the  reasoning 
part,  even  unanswerable  there.  But,  what  if  it  be  better 
for  thee,  at  present,  to  be  darkened  about  these  things, 
than  as  yet  to  know?  Can  that  possibly  be?  will  the 
strong  reason  readily  say.  Yes,  that  it  may,  in  many 
respects.  There  is  somewhat  else  would  live  and  be  acting 
in  thee,  if  the  clear  and  heavenly  knowledge  were  given ; 
and  thou  wouldst  be  centering  in  self,  that  which  thou 
4* 


42 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


receivedst  from  God  ;  yea,  thou  wouldst  miss  of  the  way 
of  true  knowletlge,  and  never  learn  in  every  state  to  be 
content,  nor  know  the  pure  way  and  actings  of  life  in  such 
a  state.  Truly,  this  is  not  the  way  of  the  child's  know- 
ing ;  but  the  child  knows,  in  resignation  and  subjection  of 
its  very  knowledge ;  and  if  there  appear  ever  so  great  a 
necessity  of  knowledge,  and  yet  knowledge  be  not  given, 
it  sinks,  in  fear  and  humility,  into  the  will  of  the  pure 
seed;  and  there  somewhat  springs  up,  (unknown  to  the 
natural  wisdom,  and  not  in  the  way  of  man's  wisdom,) 
which  at  seasons  preserves  and  beare  it  up  in  such  a  state. 
But  this  is  a  great  mystery ;  yet  sensibly  experienced  by 
the  true  travellers  at  this  day. 

Therefore,  retire  out  of  all  necessities,  according  to  the 
apprehension  of  the  reasoning  mind  ;  and  judge  that  only 
necessary,  which  God,  in  his  eternal  wisdom  and  love, 
proportions  out  unto  us.  And  when  thou  comest  hither, 
thou  wilt  come  to  thy  rest ;  and  as  thou  abidest  here,  thou 
wilt  abide  in  thy  soul's  true  rest,  and  know  the  precious- 
ness  of  that  lesson,  and  of  whom  thou  art  to  learn  it,  even, 
in  every  state  to  he  eonttnt. 


LETTER  XII. 

Of  Faith  in  the  Healing  Power  of  Christ. 

Friend,  —  I  have  had  of  late  some  deep  and  serious 
thoughts  concerning  thee,  and  a  sense  of  thee,  as  between 
the  Lord  and  my  own  soul,  yet  I  have  not  had  any 
thing  to  signify  or  express  to  thee,  till  this  morning. 
But  somewhat  this  morning  sprang  up  in  my  heart, 
sweetly  and  freshly,  which  I  had  pure  drawings  to  impart 
to  thee. 

There  was  a  quick  sense  of  thee  upon  my  heart,  and  in 


LETTERS   OP   ISAAC  PENINGTOST. 


43 


that  sense  this  cry  was  in  me  :  —  Oh  !  that  thou  wert  ac- 
quainted with  tlie  pure,  eternal  power  of  the  Lord,  and 
niightst  feel  his  outstretched  arm  revealed  in  thee,  and 
witness  the  faith  which  stands  in  that  power ;  and,  in  that 
faith,  believe  and  wait  for  what  God  is  doing,  and  willing 
to  do,  in  and  for  his  children.  "  If  ye  had  faith,"  said 
Christ,  "  but  as  a  grain  of  mustard  seed,  ye  should  say  to 
this  mountain,  be  thou  cast  into  the  midst  of  the  sea,  and 
it  should  be  so."  Indeed,  the  true  faith,  the  pure  faith, 
the  living  faith,  which  stands  in  the  power,  doth  remove 
all  the  mountains  that  are  in  the  way,  and  makes  the 
crooked  ways  straight,  and  the  rough  ways  plain.  If  thou 
had  lived  in  the  days  of  Christ's  flesh,  and  wanted  outward 
healing,  and  had  been  willing  to  come  to  him  for  healing, 
but  withal  had  not  come  with  faith  that  he  was  able  and 
willing  to  heal  perfectly ;  mightest  not  thou  have  missed 
of  that  cleansing  and  outward  health  and  salvation,  which 
others  met  with  ?  For,  did  not  he  say,  "  Be  it  unto  thee 
according  to  thy  faith  ?  "  And  is  not  he  the  Physician  of 
the  soul?  and  is  not  his  skill  to  be  trusted  and  believed 
in?  He  that  hopeth,  and  believeth,  and  waiteth,  and 
prayeth,  and  fighteth  the  good  fight  of  faith,  which  gives 
victory  over  sin,  Satan,  and  the  world  —  he  may  possibly 
overcome  ;  yea,  he  that  warreth  lawfully,  (that  is,  with  the 
spiritual  weapon,  which  is  mighty  through  God,)  he  that 
warreth  with  this  only,  and  with  this  constantly,  shall  be 
sure  to  overcome.  For,  greater  is  He  that  is  in  the  true 
believer,  than  he  that  is  in  the  world. 

O  that  thou  mightest  have  experience  of  these  things, 
and  witness  the  banner  of  Christ's  love  and  power  dis- 
played in  thee,  and  the  victories  and  conquests  that  are 
thereby,  and  the  safety  and  peace  which  is  under  it !  For, 
of  a  truth,  we  do  not  speak  boastingly,  but  are  witnesses 
of  the  majesty  of  God's  love  and  power,  which  we  testify 
of.  The  Lord  so  enlighten  and  guide  thee,  that  thou  may- 


44 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTOTiT. 


est  obtain  the  desires  of  thy  lieart;  for,  I  really  believe 
thy  desire  is  ufter  holiuess  and  after  commnnion  with  the 
Father  and  the  Son,  and  with  the  saints  in  light :  O  that 
thou  mayest  be  led  into  the  true  pure  light  of  life,  that 
there  thou  mayest  enjoy  what  in  this  kind  thou  desirest ! 

This  is  from  one,  who  singly,  as  in  the  Lord's  sight, 
wisheth  well  unto  thee.  I.  P. 

Eeading  Gaol, 
27tli  of  Eightli  Montli,  1670. 


LETTER  XIIL 

Advice  to  one  Eespecting  the  Dark  Snggestion.s  of  the  Enemy. 

Dear  Friend,  —  Thou  hast  had  the  path  of  salvation 
faithfully  testifie^l  of  to  thee,  and  hast  come  to  a  sense  of 
the  thing:  even  to  the  feeling  oi' fhat,  whereby  the  Father 
begets  life,  and  pianifesteth  his  love  and  peace  in  and  to 
the  soul.  Now,  what  remains  ?  but  that  thou  look  up  to 
the  Lord,  to  guide  thy  feet  in  this  path,  and  to  preserve 
from  that  which  .darkens  and  leads  out  of  the  way;  that* 
thou  mayest  pas|  on  thy  journey  safely,  and  come  to  the 
inheritance  and  enjoyment  of  that,  which  thy  soul  longeth 
after. 

There  is  life,  there  is  peace,  there  is  joy,  there  is  right- 
eousness, there  is  health,  there  is  salvation,  there  is  power 
of  redemption  —  in  the  seed  :  yea,  there  is  so.  But  thy 
soul  wants,  and  doth  not  enjoy  these  things.  Well,  but 
how  mayest  thou  come  to  enjoy  them  ?  There  is  no  way, 
but  union  with  the  seed ;  knowing  the  seed,  hearing  the 
voice  of  the  seed,  learning  of,  and  becoming  subject  to,  the 
seed.  "  Learn  of  me,  take  my  yoke  upon  you,"  saith  Christ, 
"  and  ye  shall  find  rest  to  your  souls."  Wouldst  thou  feel 
thy  soul's  rest  in  Christ?    Thou  must  know  the  seed's 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  45 


voice,  hear  it,  learn  daily  of  him,  become  his  disciple; 
take  up,  from  his  nature,  what  is  contrary  to  tJnj  nature. 
And  then,  as  thy  nature  is  worn  out,  and  his  nature  comes 
up  in  thee,  thou  wilt  find  all  easy ;  all  that  is  of  life  easy, 
and  transgression  hard  —  unbelief  hard  :  yea,  thou  wilt 
find  it  very  hard  and  unnatural,  when,  the  nature  of  the 
seed  is  grown  up  in  thee,  either  to  distrust  the  Lord  or 
hearken  to  his  enemy.  And  then  thou  wilt  change  that 
dwelling-place  (into  which  Satan  brings  dark  thoughts, 
suggestions,  and  reasonings,)  for  the  dwelling-place  which 
is  from  above,  which  is  the  habitation  of  the  righteous ; 
wherein  there  is  light,  life,  peace,  satisfaction,  health,  sal- 
vation, and  rejoicing  of  soul  from  and  before  the  Lord. 

Now,  do  not  say,  Who  shall  do  thus  for  me  ?  but  know, 
the  arm  of  the  Lord  is  mighty,  and  brings  mighty  things 
to  pass ;  and  that  arm  hath  been  revealed  in  thee,  and  is 
at  work  for  thee.  O  that  thou  couldst  trust  it !  (why  canst 
thou  not!  hath  it  not  sown  a  seed  of  faith  in  thee?)  and 
come  in  to  and  abide  in  the  path,  wherein  its  mighty,  power- 
ful operations  are  felt  and  made  manifest!  And,  O  that 
thou  mayest  find  ability,  to  watch  against  that  which  bows 
down,  and  not  so  let  in,  as  thou  hast  done  exceedingly, 
to  the  grievous  wounding  and  distressing  of  thy  soul !  For, 
the  enemy's  dark  suggestions  work  according  to  their  na- 
ture; and,  if  thou  let  them  lie  upon  thee,  how  can  they 
but  darken,  afilict,  and  jierplex  thee  ? 

Therefore,  in  the  evil  hour,  fly  from  all  things  that  Urns 
arise  in  thee  ;  and  lie  still,  feel  thy  stay,  till  His  light, 
which  "  makes  manifest,"  arise  in  thee,  and  clear  up  things 
to  thee.  And  think  not  the  time  of  darkness  long ;  but 
watch,  that  thy  heart  be  kept  empty,  and  thy  mind  clear 
of  thoughts  and  belief  of  things,  till  He  bring  in  some- 
what, which  thou  mayest  safely  receive.  Therefore,  say 
to  thy  thoughts  and  to  thy  belief  of  things,  (according  to 
the  representation  of  the  dark  power,  in  the  time  of  thy 


46 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


darkness,)  "  Get  thee  hence  !  "  And,  if  that  will  not  do, 
look  up  to  the  Lord  to  speak  to  them ;  and  to  keep  them 
out,  if  they  be  not  already  entered,  or  to  thrust  them  out 
if  they  be  already  got  in.  And,  if  he  do  not  so  presently, 
or  for  a  long  time,  yet  do  not  murmur  or  think  much,  but 
wait  till  he  do.  Yea,  though  they  violently  thrust  them- 
selves upon  thee,  and  seem  to  have  entered  thy  mind,  yet 
let  them  be  as  strangers  to  thee  ;  receive  them  not,  believe 
them  not,  know  them  not,  own  them  not ;  and  thy  bosom 
will,  notwithstanding,  be  chaste  in  the  eye  of  the  Lord, 
though  they  may  seem  to  thee  to  have  defiled  thee. 

Look  up  to  the  Father,  that  thou  mayest  learn  this  of  him : 
and,  becoming  faithful  to  him  therein,  thou  wilt  find  thy 
darkness  abate,  and  its  strength  more  and  more  broken 
in  thee  ;  and  thou  wilt  not  only  feel  and  taste  a  little,  now 
and  then,  but  also  come  to  jjosscss  and  inherit,  and  rejoice 
before  the  Lord  in  thy  portion. 

Thy  Friend  in  the  Truth,  which  changetli  not,  but  is  pure, 
and  preserveth  pure  forever.  I.  P. 

From  Aylesbury  Gaol, 
28th  of  Seventh  MontJi,  1GG7. 


LETTER  XIV. 

On  Obedience,  Spiritual  Growth,  Establishment,  and  Victory  in 
and  tliroiigh  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Deak  Friend,- — Some  Scriptures  did  spring  up  and 
open  in  ray  heart  towards  thee  this  morning. 

One  was,  that  of  2  Cor.  x.  4,  5,  and  6.  That  which  was 
chiefly  on  my  heart  therefrom,  was  about  the  fufilling  of 
obedience.  First,  there  is  a  knowing  the  will  of  God ;  a 
waiting  to  know  and  understand  from  God,  what  is  his 
holy,  good,  perfect,  and  acceptable  will.    Then,  as  God 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  47 


gives  the  knowledge,  he  requires  obedience;  which  is  to 
be  learned  of  God  in  the  new  sj)irit  and  life.  For,  in  the 
old  nature,  mind  and  spirit,  there  is  nothing  but  darkness 
and  disobedience;  in  the  new  creation  is  the  new  obedi- 
ence. So  that,  there  is  first  a  beginning  of  knowledge  in 
the  Spirit,  a  beginning  of  faith  in  the  renewing  power,  and 
a  beginning  of  obedience  (in  the  same)  to  him  that  calls. 
Then,  there  is  an  increase  of  knowledge,  of  true,  pure, 
living  knowledge,  an  increase  of  faith,  and  a  growing 
more  and  more  obedient  under  the  exercises,  judgments, 
and  chastisements  of  the  Father's  Spirit :  even  till,  at 
length,  the  soul  comes  to  witness  a  full  readiness,  skill,  and 
strength  (in  and  through  Christ,  in  and  through  the  meas- 
ure of  the  gift  of  grace  received  from  him,)  to  obey  in  all 
things.  When  the  new  birth  is  thus  grown  up  into  strength 
and  dominion,  into  the  stature  of  a-  man  in  Christ ;  then 
the  senses,  which  Uave  been  long  exercised  in  discerning 
between  good  and  evil,  grow  strong:  and  there  is  a  quick 
discerning  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  an  authority,  in  his 
name  and  power,  over  the  enemy  and  his  temptations :  so 
that  every  stronghold  is  broken  down,  every  imagination 
and  false  reasoning  concerning  the  Truth,  is  subjected  and 
broken  by  the  evidence  and  power  of  Truth,  every  thought 
brought  under,  into  captivity,  even  to  the  obedience  of 
Christ;  with  a  readiness  to  reject  all  unbelief  and  disobe- 
dience, that  will  so  much  as  offer  to  rise  up.  Now,  is  not 
this  the  Christian  state,  which  God  would  have  his  chil- 
dren aim  and  arrive  at?  and  are  not  they  blessed  who 
witness  it?  and  doth  not  the  true  miuistration  of  the  gospel 
light.  Spirit,  and  power  lead  to  it?  and  should  any  be  at 
rest  in  their  spirits,  in  an  easeful,  formal,  dry,  dead  profes- 
sion without  it? 

Another  Scripture  was  1  Pet.  ii.  2,  3,  4,  and  5.  It  is 
precious  to  witness  the  state  of  a  new-born  babe,  to  be  be- 
gotten to  God  by  the  word  of  life  and  power,  even  by  the 


48         LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


word  which  God  ingrafts  into  the  heart.  O  what  living 
desires,  then,  are  there,  after  that  wliich  nourisheth  the 
birth  of  life,  which  God  breathes  from  his  own  Spirit,  and 
begets  the  soul  into !  Now,  as  the  birth  is  pure,  so  the 
nourishment  is  pure:  —  pure  milk  from  the  pure  word, — 
sincere,  unmixed  milk  from  the  word  of  life, —  from  the 
breast  of  life.  Who  is  it  that  begets  to  God  ?  It  is  the 
Spirit,  the  Word,  the  second  Adam,  he  whose  name  is  the 
Word  of  God.  Who  is  the  mother  of  these  children  ?  It 
is  the  heavenly  wisdom,  the  Jerusalem  which  is  above. 
("Jerusalem  which  is  above  is  free,  which  is  the  mother 
of  us  all."  "  Wisdom  is  justified  of  her  children.")  Now, 
who  feeds  these  children  ?  who  nourisheth,  who  brings 
tliem  up  ?  Why,  the  mother  which  bare  them,  she  holds 
forth  the  breast  of  life  to  them,  she  yields  to  them  the 
pure  milk  of  the  word.  The  new-born  babes,  they  long 
for  it,  they  cry  for  their  food,  they  earnestly  desire  after 
it;  and  the  tender  mother  gives  it  forth  to  them,  even  the 
milk  of  the  breast  of  life  from  the  pure  word  of  life  ;  and 
by  this  they  grow.  But,  how  came  the  babes  to  desire 
after  such  pure,  sincere,  unmixed  food?  Oh!  they  have 
"  tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gracious."  They  have  had  the 
heavenly  taste,  they  have  tasted  that  which  was  living 
and  pure  from  God,  from  his  tender  mercy  and  grace, 
wherein  he  ministers  life  and  salvation.  O  the  remem- 
brance and  sense  of  the  sweetness  of  this,  is  upon  their 
palates !  O  how  precious  and  living  is  it,  when  it  comes 
new  and  fresh  from  him  !  the  words  which  he  speaks,  they 
are  still  spirit  and  life  to  the  soul.  How  can  they  but 
desire,  that  from  the  breast  of  life,  from  the  heavenly  wis- 
dom and  divine  knowledge  of  his  Father,  he  would  minister 
unto  them  of  the  pure  food,  that  they  may  know  and  feed 
on  the  Truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus?  Here,  they  come  to  him 
as  unto  a  living  fountain,  and  a  living  stone,  disallowed 
indeed,  and  rejected  of  the  builders  after  the  flesh,  in  all 


LETTERS  OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


49 


ages  and  generations;  but  chosen  of  God,  and  precious  to 
all  that  have  the  true  sense  and  understanding.  They 
come  thus  to  him  daily,  and  so  are  built  up  into  a  living 
house,  or  spiritual  temple  and  dwelling-place  for  God. 
He,  the  foundation  stone,  the  corner  stone,  the  top  stone, 
the  hope  and  crown  of  their  glory ;  they,  living  stones  in 
him  quickened  and  kept  alive  in  and  by  him,  and  shining 
in  his  light  and  glory. 

A  third  Scripture  was  Eph.  vi.  10,  11,  12,  and  13.  Is 
not  this  a  precious  state,  to  be  "  strong  in  the  Lord  and  in 
the  power  of  his  might  ?  "  to  know  "  the  whole  armour  of 
God,"  and  to  put  it  on  and  stand  armed  against  the 
strength  of  the  enemy,  and  to  overcome  him  ?  was  there 
ever  such  a  state  witnessed?  Yea;  John  writeth  to  the 
young  men  in  his  time,  because  they  had  "  overcome  the 
wicked  one."  (Compare  1  John,  ii.  14,  with  Eph.  vi.  10.) 
May  not  such  a  thing  be  again  witn'essed,  even  now,  in 
these  our  days  ?  Were  not  he  a  messenger  of  good  tidings 
to  thee,  who  from  God  could  tell  thee,  how  thou  miglitst 
come  to  know,  to  put  on,  to  fight  in  this  holy  armour,  and 
thereby  overcome  all  the  adversaries  of  thy  soul  ?  Doth 
not  the  apostle  say,  "  The  weapons  of  our  warfare  are- 
mighty  through  God?"  Wouldst  not  thou  be  willing  to 
witness  them  so  in  thee?  Mind  then — -in  the  measure  of 
life,  in  the  measure  of  grace  and  truth  which  is  from 
Christ,  all  the  knowledge,  strength,  and  use  of  the  armour 
lies.  Thus,  the  Truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus  is  the  girdle  of 
the  loins ;  and  from  and  through  him,  in  his  pure  measure 
of  life,  righteousness  springs  up  as  a  breastplate.  There 
likewise,  the  feet  are  shod  with  the  preparation  of  the  gos- 
pel of  peace  ;  for  there,  the  gospel,  the  life,  the  redeeming 
power  and  virtue  is  always  in  readiness,  whenever  the 
Lord  seeth  service  for  it.  And  then  the  shield  of  fuitli  is 
known,  which  quencheth  tlie  fire  of  the  eneuiy's  tempta- 
tions. There  ako,  is  the  helmet  of  salvation,  the  true 
5  D 


50 


LETTERS   OF    ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


hope  ;  £)!•  iu  it,  Christ,  the  hope  of  glory,  is  revealed,  and 
felt  to  be  uear.  And  then,  the  swurd  of  the  Spirit  is  wit- 
nessed, which  is  the  living  Word,  the  Spirit  which  quick- 
ens and  gives  life ;  which  Word  is  quick,  piercing,  and 
exceeding  powerful,  able  to  smite  and  wound  death.  (See 
Kev.  i.  16,  Isa.  xxvii.  1,  and  xi,  4,  and  2  Thes.  ii.  8.) 
And  here,  is  pure  praying  in  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  Jesus, 
and  watching  thereunto  with  perseverance,  both  for  itself 
in  particular,  and  the  whole  body  of  the  faithful  in  gen- 
eral ;  but  for  those  more  especially,  on  whom  lies  the 
weight  of  the  service  iu  and  towards  the  body  :  so  that, 
here,  is  prayer  iu  its  due  season,  weight,  and  order  offered 
up  to  God,  in  true  life  and  understanding :  which  prayer 
God  always  heareth. 

O  mind  this  thing  diligently,  for  it  is  of  great  concern- 
ment to  thee !  In  the  grace  of  the  gospel,  in  the  measure 
of  truth  and  life  frcTm  the  quickening  Word,  thou  meetest 
with  the  whole  armour  of  God.  Thou  mayest  there  know 
it,  thou  mayest  there  put  it  on,  stand  armed  with  it,  and 
fight  with  success  against  thy  soul's  enemies.  Out  of  this, 
thou  mayest  get  apprehensions  iu  thy  mind  about  it,  but 
canst  never  truly  know  it,  canst  never  come  at  it,  or  be 
covered  and  armed  with  it,  to  stand  and  fight  successfully 
and  victoriously  against  the  enemies  of  tliy  soul. 

Ah  !  little  dost  thou  know  the  loving  kindness  of  the 
Lord  in  visiting  thee  with  his  Truth,  in  giving  thee  a  sense 
beyond  others,  in  so  tenderly  drawing  and  inviting  thy 
heart ;  or  what  this  will  come  to,  if  thou  faithfully  give  up 
to  hearken  to  and  follow  him.  I.  P. 

20th  of  Tjnth  Month,  1671. 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  51 


LETTEE  XV. 

Tlie  least  Messenger  of  the  Gospel  is  not  to  be  despised.   A  Change 
of  Heart  is  to  be  sought,  rather  than  a  Sign. 

What  is  Paul  ?  what  is  Apollos  ?  or  what  is  Cephas  ? 
It  is  one  and  the  same  pure  life  and  word  of  power,  which 
springs  in  all  tlie  holy  brethren,  whom  God  hath  sanctified 
and  prepared  to  give  forth  the  sound  of  his  holy  trumpet. 
(It  is  the  Lord  himself,  who  gives  forth. the  true  and 
certain  sound  ;  great  is  the  company  of  those,  whom  he 
hath  chosen  and  sent  forth  to  publish  it ;  none  of  whom 
cau  be  despised  in  their  message,  without  despising  him 
that  sent  them  ;  for,  he  sends  forth  the  least  and  weakest, 
as  well  as  the  greatest.) 

O !  take  heed  of  that  nature  and  spirit  in  thee,  which 
desires  or  seeks  after  a  sign.  It  is  the  evil  and  adulterous 
generation  which  seeks  after  a  sign.  But  wait  to  meet 
with  that  inwardly,  which  changeth  the  heart,  and  renews 
the  mind  to  God  :  which  teacheth  to  love  the  Lord  God 
with  all  the  heart,  soul,  mind,  and  spirit,  that  so  true  life 
from  and  in  him  may  be  witnessed.  —  And  as  for  being  as 
one  of  us,  thou  must  be  formed  so  by  the  Lord,  by  being 
inwardly  changed  and  renewed  by  the  Spirit  and  power 
of  the  Lord,  ere  thou  canst  witness  true  unity  witli  us. 
If  thou  feel  the  principle  of  Truth  iu  thy  own  heart,  and 
iu  that  know  and  own  us,  and  so  come  among  us,  and  join 
to  us  in  the  Truth,  and  keep  faithful  to  the  principle,  thou 
wilt  never  be  in  danger  of  leaving  us,  as  they  that  depart 
from  the  principle  iu  their  own  hearts,  may  soon  and 
easily  do. 


52 


LETTERS  OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


LETTER  XVI. 
Advice  on  Eeading  the  Scriptures. 

Friend, —  Hearken  to  a  ^vord  of  advice,  which  is  in 
my  heart  to  thee  ;  it  may  be  of  great  use  to  thee,  if  the 
Lord  open  thy  spirit,  and  cause  it  to  sink  in.    It  is  this. 

Wait  on  the  Lord,  that  thou  mayest,  from  him,  feel  the 
right  limit  to  thy  mind,  in  reading  the  Scriptures.  For, 
the  mind  of  luan  is  busy  and  active,  willing  to  be  running 
beyond  its  bounds,  guessing  at  the  meaning  of  God's 
Spirit,  and  imagining  of  itself,  unless  the  Lord  limit  it. 
Therefore,  read  in  fear ;  and  wait  understandingly  to  dis- 
tinguish, between  God's  opening  to  thee  words,  concerning 
the  kingdom  and  the  things  of  the  kingdom,  and  thy  own 
apprehensions  about  them  ;  that  the  one  may  be  always 
cast  by,  and  the  other  always  embraced  by  thee.  And, 
always  wait  God's  season  :  do  not  presume  to  understand 
a  thing,  before  he  give  thee  the  understanding  of  it :  and 
know  also,  that  he  alone  is  able  to  preserve  the  true  sense 
and  knowledge  in  thee  ;  that  thou  mayest  live  dependeutly 
upon  him  for  thy  knowledge,  and  never  "  lean  to  thy  own 
understanding."  Little  dost  thou  know,  what  it  hath  cost 
us,  to  have  our  own  understanding  and  wisdom  broken 
down  ;  and  how  demonstratively  by  this  Spirit  the  Lord 
opens  Scriptures  to  us,  (yea,  and  the  things  themselves, 
which  the  Scriptures  speak  of,)  ever  since  he  hath  taught 
us  to  deny  our  own  understanding,  and  to  lean  upon  his 
Spirit  and  wisdom. 

The  Lord  guide  thee  by  his  certain,  infallible  Spirit, 
into  the  certain,  infallible,  everlasting  way  of  life,  that  by 
the  shinings  of  his  light.  Spirit,  and  power  in  thee,  thou 
mayest  see  light  and  enjoy  life.  For,  if  thou  didst  certainly 
and  infallibly  understand  all  the  words,  descriptions,  and 


LETTER8   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  53 


testimonies  concerning  the  thing  in  the  Scriptures  ;  yet,  it 
is  one  thing  to  understand  words,  testimonies,  and  descrip- 
tions ;  and  it  is  another  matter  to  understand,  know,  enjoy, 
possess,  and  live  in  that  which  the  words  relate  to,  describe, 
and  bear  witness  of. 

And,  Friend,  if  thou  wilt  be  an  inward  Jew,  and  know 
and  understand  the  laws  of  life,  the  laws  of  the  new  cove- 
nant, thou  must  read  them  in  those  tables,  where  God 
writes  them  in  and  by  the  new  covenant.  Indeed,  by  read- 
ing in  the  letter,  thou  mayest  read  testimonies  concerning 
the  Spirit  and  his  ministration  ;  but  thou  must  read  in  the 
Spirit,  if  ever  thou  come  rightly  to  understand  the  letter. 
And,  the  end  of  words  is  to  bring  men  to  the  knowledge 
of  things,  beyond  what  words  can  utter.  So,  learn  of  the 
Lord  to  make  a  right  use  of  the  Scriptures  ;  which  is,  by 
esteeming  them  in  their  place,  and  prizing  that  above  them, 
which  is  above  them.  The  "  eternal  life,"  the  Spirit,  the 
power,  the  fountain  of  living  waters,  the  everlasting  pure 
well  is  above  the  words  concerning  it.  This,  the  believer 
is  to  witness  in  himself,  and  to  draw  water  with  joy  out 
of  it.  I.  P. 


LETTER  XVIL 

On  the  Righteousness  which  is  of  Christ,  on  the  Manliood  and 
Godhead  of  Christ. 

To  THE  Friend  of  Francis  Fines. 

Friend, — After  some  deep  exercise  of  spirit  concerning 
thee,  under  great  grief  of  heart  for  thee,  I  felt  a  constraint 
of  love,  forcing  these  following  considerations  from  me, 
to  lay  before  thee. 

As  for  William  Penn,  thou  didst  not  make  mention  of 
him  to  me  in  thy  former  letter.  And  as  to  thy  charge  upon 
5* 


54 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


him,  that  he  deuics  the  "Trinity,"  redemption  hy  Christ's 
blood,  and  imputed  righteousness,  thou  mayest  read  his 
apoh)gy  toucliing  those  things,  which  it  is  just  thou  shouldst 
seriously  weigh,  as  in  God's  sight:  and  then,  perhaps  thou 
■wilt  not  so  resolutely  charge  him  as  now  thou  dost. 

Christ  is  made  unto  us  righteousness,  by  faith  in  his 
blood,  and  by  faith  in  his  Spirit :  and  he  that  doth  not 
believe  in  his  Spirit,  and  receives  not  instruction  and  help 
from  his  Spirit  to  believe,  cannot  believe  aright  in  his 
blood.  All  that  is  of  Christ  is  righteous  ;  all  that  is  of 
Ciirist,  the  righteous  and  holy  root,  is  righteous  and  holy, 
wherever  it  is  found.  And,  by  Christ,  that  which  is  truly 
holy  and  righteous  is  brought  up  in  us,  and  we  forgiven 
and  washed  from  our  sins  and  iniquities  for  his  name's 
sake.  And  the  receiving  of  the  pardon  of  sins  is  precious, 
and  the  bringing  forth  in  the  new  life  is  precious  also. 

I  am  satisfied  in  God's  Spirit,  that  that  which  I  have 
written  in  the  last  I  sent  to  thee,  is  the  sum  and  substance 
of  true  religion  ;  the  sum  and  substance  whereof,  doth  not 
stand  in  getting  a  notion  of  Christ's  righteousness,  but  in 
feeling  the  power  of  the  endless  life,  receiving  the  power, 
and  being  changed  by  the  power.  And  where  Christ  is, 
there  is  his  righteousness.  He  that  hath  the  Son,  hath  life 
and  righteousness  ;  but  he  that  hath  not  the  Son,  hath  not 
life  nor  rigliteousness.  And  where  Christ  is  not,  there  is 
not  his  righteousness ;  but  only  a  notion  thereof,  from 
ai^prehensious  formed  out  of  the  Scriptures  by  man's  wis- 
dom, which  should  be  destroyed.  I  would  not  have  thy 
knowledge  here,  nor  thy  standing  here,  nor  thy  faith  here ; 
but  in  the  truth  and  life  itself 

Christ  was  anointed  and  sent  of  God,  a  Saviour,  to  de- 
stroy the  works  of  the  devil,  to  break  down  all  rule  and 
authority  contrary  to  God  in  man  ;  for,  his  work  is  in  the 
heart.  There  he  quickens,  there  he  raiseth,  there  he  brings 
into  death  that  which  is  to  die,  raising  the  seed  immortal, 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


55 


and  bringing  the  creature  into  subjection  to  it.  Now,  to 
feel  the  power  that  doth  this,  and  to  feel  this  wrought  by 
the  power,  this  is  far  beyond  all  talk  about  justification 
and  righteousness.  Hither  would  I  have  thee  come,  out 
of  the  talk,  out  of  the  outwardness  of  knowledge,  into  the 
thing  itself,  and  into  the  trueness  of  the  new  and  living 
knowledge,  which  is  witnessed  here. 

There  is  a  power  in  Christ,  to  mortify  and  overcome  sin 
in  the  very  root ;  it  is  not  however  overcome,  but  in  the 
revealing  of  this  power ;  nor  is  the  soul  justified,  but  in 
and  by  the  working  of  this  power.  So  that,  justification 
is  not  the  first  thing,  but  the  J30wer  of  life,  in  and  through 
which  (revealed  in  Christ)  the  soul  is  both  justified  and 
sanctified,  through  the  working  of  the  faith,  which  is  from 
the  power.  And  here,  salvation  is  felt  nigh  indeed,  to 
those  that  truly  fear  the  Lord  ;  and  glory  dwells  in  the 
land  which  he  hath  redeemed.  There,  mercy  and  truth 
do  indeed  meet  together,  and  righteousness  and  peace  kiss 
each  other.  Yea,  truth,  there,  springs  out  of  the  earth,  and 
righteousness  looks  down  from  heaven,  &c.  And  here, 
the  heavenly  place  in  Christ  is  sat  down  in,  towards  which, 
is  the  travel  of  the  disciple.  For,  saith  Christ  to  his  dis- 
ciples, "  I  go  to  prepare  a  place,"  and  "  I  will  come  again," 
and  translate  you  thither.  But,  the  disciples  do  not  come 
to  this  place  before  their  travel,  or  before  any  works  of 
righteousuess  which  God  hath  wrought  in  them. 

Therefore,  he  that  will  be  justified  by  Him,  must  abide 
in  the  faith,  where  the  justification  is.  The  Father  justifies 
what  is  of  his  own  life  in  the  Son,  aud  the  Sou  in  his  life ; 
ajid  the  Son  justifies  what  is  of  the  Father  in  us,  (what  is 
of  the  Father's  nature,  the  Fatner's  spirit,  the  Father's 
life,)  aud  justifies  us  from  that,  by  his  blood,  from  which 
we  cannot  otherwise  be  justified.  O  how  jirecious  it  is,  to 
see  and  feel  this  in  the  true  light,  where  the  blood  of  Christ 
cleanseth  from  all  sin !    Here,  is  no  covenant  for  us  of 


56         LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


ourselves  to  perform  ;  hut  tlie  true  self-denial  is  witnessed, 
wherein  the  covenant  is  performed  ;  and  Christ,  the  life, 
Christ,  the  power,  Christ,  the  righteousness  and  wisdom  of 
God,  working  all  in  us ;  and  we,  gathered  into  him,  and 
living  and  working  in  him,  by  tlie  faith  whicli  is  of  him. 
And  here,  is  free-ivill  indeed,  even  of  the  will  which  was 
bound  and  captivated  before.  And  here,  is  the  election 
known,  which  obtains ;  and  the  obedience  and  sufferings  of 
Christ,  not  looked  upon  as  superfluous,  but  highly  prized, 
and  looked  upon  as  of  inestimable  value. 

Do  we  cry  up  works  against  the  workman  ?  man's  grace 
and  righteousness  against  God's?  conformity  to  Christ, 
against  Clirist?  or  make  a  Christ,  a  righteousness,  a 
Saviour  of  our  conformity  ?  Oh  !  how  wilt  thou  do,  wheu 
God  shall  plead  with  thee  for  these  things  ?  —  Also,  that 
charge  of  thine  on  us,  that  we  deny  the  person  of  Christ, 
and  make  him  nothing  but  a  light  or  notion,  a  principle 
in  the  heart  of  man,  is  very  unjust  and  untrue ;  for,  we 
own  that  appearance  of  him  in  his  body  of  flesh,  his  suf- 
ferings and  death,  and  his  sitting  at  the  Father's  right 
hand  in  glory  :  but  then,  we  afiirm,  that  there  is  no  true 
knowledge  of  him,  or  union  with  him,  but  in  the  seed  or 
2)rinciple  of  his  life  in  the  heart ;  and  that  therein  he  ap- 
pears, subdues  sin,  and  reigns  over  it,  in  those  that  under- 
stand and  submit  to  the  teaching  and  government  of  his 
Spirit. 

But,  we  cannot  set  the  manhood  above  the  life,  and 
make  that  the  main  or  chief  in  the  work  of  redemption, 
and  the  life  and  Spirit  of  his  Godhead,  but  supporting, 
enabling,  and  carrying  him  up  in  that  great  undertaking. 

Consider,  I  pray  thee,  If  what  thou  sayest  be  not  cou- 
trary  to  the  Scriptures  ?  Was  the  work  laid  by  the  Father 
upon  the  manhood,  or  upon  the  Son,  who,  in  the  life  and 
by  the  life,  was  "mighty  to  save"?  Who  took  up  the 
manhood  F    Was  it  not  the  Son?    "Lo'  I  come,"  saith 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


57 


he,  "  a  bodrj  hast  thou  prepared  mc."  And  was  it  uot  he, 
that  laid  down  his  glory,  and  made  himself  of  no  reputa- 
tion, hut  came  iu  the  form  of  a  servant,  (took  upon  him 
man's  nature,)  did  not  he  do  the  work  iu  man's  nature? 
Did  uot  the  eternal  Spirit  sanctify  the  body  in  the  womb? 
Did  uot  the  eternal  Power  act  iu  him  all  along  ?  Yea,  did 
not  the  eternal  Spirit  offer  the  body  to  God  as  a  sacrifice  ? 
For,  the  manhood  would  fain  have  avoided  the  cup, 
("  Father,  if  it  be  possible,  let  this  cup  pass  from  me !  ") 
but,  the  Spirit  taught  him  to  be  subject  to  the  will  of  the 
Father  herein.  So  that,  his  giving  up  to  death,  was  rather 
to  be  attributed  to  his  eternal  Spirit,  than  to  his  manhood  : 
for  that  was  the  chief  in  the  work,  and  not  merely  assistant 
to  him.  And  doth  not  Christ  confess  as  much  to  his 
Father,  when  he  saith,  "  I  have  glorified  thee  on  the  earth, 
I  have  finished  the  work  which  thou  gavest  me  to  do ;  and 
now,  O  Father!  glorify  thou  me  with  thy  own  self,  with 
the  glory  which  I  had  with  thee  before  the  world  was." 
Though  we  are  willing  to  honour  the  manhood  of  Christ, 
with  the  honour  which  the  Father  hath  honoured  it  with  ; 
yet  we  cannot  honour  it  in  the  first  place,  and  attribute 
redemption  to  it  in  the  first  place,  making  the  Spirit  aud 
life  of  God,  but  supporting,  assisting,  and  carrying  on 
therein.  For,  "  God  was  in  Christ,"  and  it  was  his  power, 
life,  and  virtue,  did  all  in  him,  as  it  is  a  measure  of  the 
same  life  which  doth  all  in  us;  iu  which  measure,  we  par- 
take of  his  death,  aud  not  only  so,  but  also  of  his  life  and 
resurrection.  For,  he  is  "  the  resurrection  and  the  life," 
(which  we  cannot  deny,)  and  if  by  his  death  we  be  recon- 
ciled to  God,  "  much  more  shall  we  be  saved  by  his  life." 
And,  if  righteousness  be  revealed  in  us,  imputed  to  us, 
and  we  partake  of  it,  as  we  come  into  his  death  ;  much 
more  shall  we  partake  of  it,  as  we  come  into  his  life. 

It  is  precious,  indeed,  to  hear  of  Christ  without;  but  it 
is  more  precious  to  feel  him  within  ;  where  the  wisdom  of 


58 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


our  Solomon,  his  love,  his  riches,  his  treasures  of  life, 
and  the  glory  of  his  kingdom,  and  order  of  his  family,  and 
food  of  his  children  and  of  his  servants,  are  witnessed  and 
revealed  on  his  holy  mountain  ;  where  he  makes  the  feast 
of  fat  things  to  his,  where  the  bread  and  v/ine  of  the  king- 
dom is  ate  and  drunk  abundantly,  and  the  streams  of  the 
river  of  his  own  pleasures,  water  his  garden  and  refresh 
his  heritage. 

I  have  looked  over  all  the  Scriptures  quoted  by  thee, 
and  find  not  one  of  them  proving  the  thing  thou  as- 
sertest ;  that  is,  attributing  redemption  properly  to  the 
manhood,  and  consequently  improperly,  in  the  second 
place,  only  as  an  assistant,  to  the  Spirit  and  life  of  the 
Godhead.  But,  if  thou  M'ouldst  rightly  distinguish,  it 
were  more  pi'oper  to  make  the  Word,  (or  Life,  which  was 
in  the  beginning,)  the  agent,  which  did  all ;  and  that 
body,  which  the  Father  prepared  and  sanctified  —  the 
form  of  a  servant  or  garment,  in  and  through  which  the 
life,  being  clothed  with  it,  did  act.  Now,  the  Jews  did 
disdain  Christ,  as  a  man,  in  that  his  low  appearance : 
therefore  is  the  glory  still  given  to  "  the  man  Christ 
Jesus ; "  but,  not  to  take  the  honour  from  the  Son,  who 
was  God,  and  who  saved  by  his  Godhead,  by  the  life, 
virtue,  and  power  thereof.  "  I,  even  I,  am  the  Lord," 
saith  Jehovah,  "  and  besides  me  there  is  no  Saviour." 
The  Woi"d  eternal,  which  made  all,  redeemeth  all  that  are 
redeemed  :  that  body  of  flesh  was  that  wherein  he  appeared. 
And  so,  what  he  did  in  it  was  attributed  to  his  manhood, 
(and  the  man  Christ  Jesus  did  all  that  is  attributed  to  him 
in  the  Scriptures,)  but  not  in  the  first  place. —  Thus  I 
speak  for  thy  sake,  and  sometimes,  upon  necessity,  to  help 
to  scatter  the  darkness  which  is  seated  in  men's  minds  in 
this  particular,  which  is  very  gross;  many  men  having 
heaped  unto  themselves  dark  mountains,  from  their  own 
imaginings  and  conceivings,  upon  which  they  stumble :  and 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENIXGTON. 


59 


SO,  reading  the  Scriptures  out  of  the  pure  life,  wherein 
they  were  written,  they  gather  not  the  true  food,  but  food 
of  their  own  imagining  and  inventing  therefrom  ;  and  so, 
their  table  becomes  their  snare. 

And  whereas,  thou  chargest  us  with  making  Christ  only 
a  pattern,  not  a  Saviour  —  indeed,  it  is  not  so  in  God's 
siglit :  for,  we  own  Christ  to  be  a  Saviour ;  but  we  lay  the 
main  stress  upon  the  life,  which  took  upon  it  the  mauhood. 
And  that  life,  wherever  it  appears,  is  of  a  saving  nature, 
and  doth  save  ;  the  least  measure  of  it,  is  of  the  nature  of 
the  rock,  and  he  proves  a  rock  to  them  that  feel  him,  and 
whose  minds  are  stayed  upon  him :  yet  none,  in  the  meas- 
ure of  this  life,  can  deny  the  appearance  of  the  fulness  of 
life  in  that  body  of  flesh,  and  what  he  did  therein  towards 
the  redemption  and  salvation  of  mankind. 

Oh !  pure,  spotless  Lamb  of  God,  how  precious  was  thy 
sacrifice  in  the  eye  of  the  Father !  how  acceptable  a  ran- 
som for  all  mankind  !  For,  in  the  free,  full,  and  universal 
love  of  the  Father,  "  he  tasted  death  for  every  man." 

I.  P. 


LETTER  XVIIL 

On  the  Religions  Care  of  Children. 
To  A  Parent. 

Dear  Friend,  —  I  have  not  much  freedom  to  write  at 
present,  being  retired  in  spirit  and  mourning  to  my  God, 
for  the  powerful  bringing  forth  of  his  pure  life,  yet  more 
perfectly,  both  in  myself  and  others  ;  yet,  the  spirit  of  thy 
letter  doth  so  strongly  draw,  that  I  cannot  be  wholly  silent. 

This,  therefore,  in  tiie  uprightness,  fear,  and  tendei'ness 
of  my  heart,  I  say  to  thee. 


60         LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINQTON. 


There  is  a  pure  priiu  i})lc  of  life  in  the  lieart,  from  whence 
all  good  springs.  This,  thou  art  to  mind  in  thyself;  and 
this,  thou  art  to  wait  on  the  Lord,  to  be  taught  and  ena- 
bled by  him  to  reach  to,  in  thy  children  ;  that  tliou  mayest 
be  an  instrument  in  his  hand,  to  bring  them  into  that  fear 
of  him,  which  is  acceptable  to  him,  and  will  be  profitable 
to  them.  Mind,  therefore,  its  leadings  in  thy  heart,  and 
wait  to  be  acquainted  with  its  voice  there.  And,  when 
thy  children  ask  thee  any  questions  of  this  nature, — What 
God  is  ?  where  he  dwells  ?  or  whether  he  sees  them  in  the 
dark?  —  do  not  reject  it;  but,  wait  to  feel  somewhat  of 
God  raised  in  thee,  which  is  able  to  judge,  whether  the 
question  be  put  forth  in  sensibility  or  in  vanity  ;  and  which 
can  give  thee  an  advantage  of  stirring  the  good,  and  reach- 
ing to  that,  which  is  to  be  raised  both  in  young  and  old, 
to  live  to  the  praise  of  him  who  raiseth  it.  And,  take  heed 
of  a  judgment  after  the  flesh;  for  so,  thou  mayest  judge 
us,  our  principles  and  practices,  and  approve  or  disapprove, 
&c.  But,  wait  to  feel  that  raised  in  thee,  which  judges 
righteous  judgment  in  every  particular ;  and  wait  the  time 
of  its  judgment,  and  be  still  and  silent,  further  than  mani- 
festly thou  knowest  that  it,  and  not  thou,  judgeth. 

And,  as  to  thy  children,  daily  feel  the  need  of  instruc- 
tion from  the  Almighty,  to  govern  and  direct  them,  and 
wait  daily  to  receive  it  from  him ;  and  what  thou  receiv- 
est,  give  forth  in  fear,  and  wait  for  his  carrying  it  home 
and  working  it  upon  their  hearts.  For  he  is  a  Father,  .and 
hath  tenderness,  and  gives  true  wisdom  to  every  condition 
of  his  people,  tliat  wait  upon  him  ;  so  as  he  may  be  known 
to  be  all  daily,  and  they  able  to  be  nothing  without  him. 

Breathe  unto  the  Lord,  that  thy  heart  may  be  single, 
thy  judgment  set  straight  by  his  principle  of  life  in  thee, 
and  thy  children  guided  to,  and  brought  up  in  the  sense 
of  the  same  principle.  As  for  praying,  they  will  not  need 
to  be  taught  that  outwardly  ;  but,  if  a  true  sense  be  kin- 


LETTERS   OF  ISAAC 


PENINGTON. 


61 


died  in  tlier.i,  though  ever  so  young,  from  that  sense  will 
arise  breathings  to  Him  that  begat  it,  suitable  to  their 
state  ;  which  will  cause  growth  and  increase  of  that  sense 
and  life  in  them. 

Thus,  in  the  plainness  of  my  heart,  have  I  answered 
thee,  according  to  the  drawings  and  freedom  which  I  found 
there,  which  I  dare  not  exceed ;  who  am  thy  unfeigned 
Friend,  though  outwardly  unknown,  I.  P. 

20th  of  Third  Month,  1665. 


LETTER  XIX. 

A  Day  of  Calamity. 

To  A  Friend  in  London;  supposed  to  be  written  on 
OCCASION  op  the  Plague. 

Ah  Friend, —  Dreadful  is  the  Lord  :  it  is  now  known 
and  felt,  beyond  what  can  be  spoken.  Doth  thy  heart 
fear  before  him?  art  thou  willing  to  be  subject  to  Lira  ? 
dost  thou  desire  strength  from  him,  to  trust  thyself  and 
thy  family  with  him  ?  O  that  thou  mayest  be  helped  daily 
to  cry  unto  him,  that  he  may  have  mercy  upon  thee,  who 
is  tender-hearted  and  able  to  preserve,  when  his  arrows  fly 
round  about ! 

Retire,  deeply  retire,  and  wait  to  feel  his  life  ;  that  thy 
soul  may  be  gathered  out  of  the  reasonings  and  thoughts 
of  thy  mind,  into  that  which  stays  from  them,  and  fixes 
beneath  them ;  where  the  Lord  is  known  and  worshipped, 
in  that  which  is  of  himself,  of  his  own  begetting,  of  his 
own  forming,  of  his  own  preserving,  of  his  own  shutting 
and  opening  at  his  pleasure.  And,  living  in  the  sense  and 
pure  fear  of  the  Lord,  (not  meddling  to  judge  others  or 
justify  thyselfj  but  waiting  for  his  appearance  in  thee,  who 
6 


62         LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


is  the  justifier  and  justification,)  thou  wilt  be  enabled  by 
the  Lord,  in  his  seasons,  to  bring  thy  children  and  family 
into  the  same  sense ;  that  thou  and  they  together  may 
enjoy  the  same  preservation  from  him,  so  far  as  he  sees 
meet,  whose  will  is  not  to  be  limited,  but  to  be  subjected 
to. 

And,  if  thy  heart  be  right  before  the  Lord,  and  thy  soul 
awakened  and  preserved  in  his  fear,  thou  wilt  find  some- 
what to  travel  out  of,  and  somewhat  to  travel  into,  and 
the  Lord  drawing  and  leading  thee.  And  this  stroke, 
which  is  so  dreadful  to  others,  nor  altogether  without 
dread  to  thee,  will  prove  of  great  advantage  in  thy  behalf : 
in  drawing  thee  more  into  a  sense  and  acquaintance  of 
the  infinite  One,  and  in  drawing  thee  from  thy  earthly 
thoughts  and  knowledge  which  will  not  now  stand  thee 
instead.    Thy  Friend,  L  P. 

8th  of  Seventh  Month,  16G5. 


LETTER  XX. 

The  Spiritual  Life  is  to  he  Cherished. 
To  Friends  of  Truth  in  and  about  the  two  Chalfonts. 

Dear  Friends, — I  am  separated,  as  to  bodily  presence, 
from  you  ;  but,  I  cannot  forget  you,  because  ye  ai'e  written 
on  my  heart,  and  I  cannot  but  desire  your  peace  and  wel- 
fare, as  of  my  own  soul. 

And  this  is  my  present  cry  for  you.  O  that  ye  might 
feel  the  breath  of  life,  that  life  which  at  first  quickened 
you,  and  which  still  quickeneth  !  and  that  breath  of  life 
has  power  over  death  ;  and,  being  felt  by  you,  will  bow 
down  death  in  you,  and  j'e  will  feel  the  seed,  lifting  up  its 
head  over  that  which  oppresseth  it.    Why  should  the 


LETTERS   OF    ISAAC   PENINGTON.  63 


royal  birth  be  a  captive  in  any  of  you  ?  Why  should  any 
of  you  travail  and  not  bring  forth  ?  Why  should  sin 
have  dominion  in  any  of  you,  and  not  rather  grace  reign 
in  its  life  and  power  in  you  all  ?  O  that  ye  may  receive 
quickenings !  O  that  ye  may  receive  help !  O  that  ye 
may  be  led  into  the  true  subjection,  which  brings  forth 
the  true  dominion  !  Indeed,  I  crj'  for  my  own  soul,  and 
I  cry  for  yours  also,  that  in  one  virtue  and  power  of  life, 
we  may  be  knit  together,  and  serve  the  Lord  our  God  in 
perfect  unity  of  spirit. 

My  Friends,  what  shall  I  say  unto  you  ?  Oh  !  the  Lord 
keep  you  living  and  sensible,  and  let  your  walking  and 
converse  be  with  him,  both  in  private  and  in  your  assem- 
blings ;  be  serious  in  your  spirits,  that  ye  may  feel  the 
weight  of  his  seed  springing  up  in  you,  and  resting  upon 
you,  to  poise  your  hearts  towards  him.  And  let  the 
earthly  thoughts,  desires,  and  concerns,  which  eat  like  a 
canker,  be  kei)t  out  by  the  power  of  that  life,  which  is 
yours,  as  ye  aliide  in  covenant  with  him  that  hath  gath- 
ered you,  by  his  pure  liglit  shining  in  you.  O  that  ye 
may  all  dwell  there  !  and  not  draw  back  into  the  earthly 
nature,  where  the  enemy  lies  lurking  to  entangle  and  to 
catch  your  minds,  and  bring  you  to  a  loss. 

Feel  ray  love  and  tender  care  of  )'ou  in  the  quickening 
life  of  God ;  and  the  Lord  God  watch  over  you  for  good, 
to  perfect  his  work  in  you,  and  draw  your  hearts  nearer 
and  nearer  to  himself,  until  they  be  quite  swallowed  up 
of  him ;  that  ye  may  at  last  find  your  hearts  fitted  for, 
and  welcomed  into,  the  bosom  of  your  Beloved,  and  there 
may  sit  down  in  the  rest  and  joy  of  his  fulness  for  ever- 
more;  which  is  the  blessed  end  of  the  Lord's  love  to  yon, 
and  all  the  faithful  travails  which  have  been  for  you. 

Your  Friend  and  brother  in  the  Trutli,  I.  P. 

From  my  plnce  of  confinement  in  Aylesbnry, 
20th  of  Fourth  Month,  1G66. 


64 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


Even  when  ye  were  sitting  together,  waiting  on  the  Lord 
(some  of  you,  I  doubt  not,  )  did  tliese  things  spring  up  in 
my  heart  towards  you  ;  and  if  ye  taste  any  sweetness  or 
refreshment  in  them,  bow  to  the  Fountain,  and  be  sensible 
of  his  praise  springing  in  the  midst  of  you. 


LETTER  XXL 

On  True  Judgment,  and  on  Prejudices;  also  on  tlie  variety  of 
Gifts  and  Stations  in  tlie  Church. 

To  Friends  of  Truth  in  and  about  the  two  Chalfonts.* 

As  a  father  wateheth  over  his  children,  so  do  I  wait  and 
desire  to  feel  the  Lord  watching  over  my  soul  continually. 
And  in  his  love,  care,  wise  and  tender  counsel,  is  my 
safety,  life,  and  peace ;  and  I  never  yet  repented  either 
waiting  for  him  or  hearkening  to  him.  But  if  I  have 
hearkened  at  any  time  to  any  thing  else,  and  mistook  his 
voice,  and  entertained  the  enemy's  deceitful  appearance, 
instead  of  his  pure  Truth,  (which  it  is  very  easy  to  do,) 
that  grievous  mistake  hath  proved  matter  of  loss  and 
sorrow  to  my  soul. 

Now,  O  !  my  Friends,  that  ye  might  know  and  hear  the 
voice  of  the  Preserver  !  so  shall  ye  be  preserved,  and  kept 
from  the  voice  of  the  stranger,  which  draweth  aside  from 
the  pure  principle  of  life,  and  the  true  feeling  sense. 
There  is  that  near  you  which  wateheth  to  betray  :  O !  the 
God  of  my  life,  joy,  peace,  and  hope,  watch  over  your 
souls,  and  deliver  you  from  the  advantages  which,  at  any 
time,  it  hath  against  any  of  you.    The  seed  which  God 

*  I.  P.  and  his  wife  appear  to  have  been  instrumental  in  gath- 
ering tlie  Friends  of  that  neighbourhood  to  the  knowledge  of  the 
Trntli,  as  held  by  the  Society. 


 .  ^    m  


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  65 

hath  sown  in  you,  is  pure  and  precious.  O  tliat  it  may 
be  found  living  in  you  and  ye  abiding  in  it!  O  that  no 
other  seed  may,  at  any  time,  usurp  authority  over  it !  but 
that  ye  may  know  the  authority  and  pure  Truth  which  is 
of  God,  and  therein  stand,  in  the  pure  dominion,  over  ail 
that  is  against  him.  For,  in  the  principle  of  life,  which 
ye  have  known  and  received  in  measure,  is  dominion  ;  and 
ye,  therein  preserved,  are  in  the  dominion  over  the  impure 
and  deceitful  one ;  and  that  judging  in  you  hath  power  to 
judge  all  impurity  and  deceivableness,  as  the  light  there- 
of pleaseth  to  make  it  manifest  to  you  ;  but,  out  of  that, 
ye  will  easily  become  a  prey,  and  set  up  darkness  for  light, 
and  account  light  darkness ;  and  then,  a  wrong  wisdom, 
confidence,  and  conceitcdue«s,  will  get  up  in  you,  and  lead 
you  far  out  of  the  way  and  spirit  of  Truth.  O  my  dear 
Friends  !  that  that  may  be  kept  down  in  you,  which  is  for- 
ward to  judge,  to  approve  or  disapprove ;  and  may  the 
weighty  judgment  of  the  seed  be  waited  for.  And,  O  !  do 
not  judge,  do  not  judge,  before  the  light  of  the  day  shine 
in  you,  and  give  forth  the  judgment;  but  .stand  and  walk 
in  fear  and  humility,  and  tenderness  of  spirit,  and  silence 
of  flesh,  that  the  Lord  be  not  provoked  against  any  of 
you,  to  give  you  up  to  a  wrong  sen.se  and  judgment,  to  the 
hurt  of  your  souls.  And  mind  your  own  states,  and  the 
feeling  of  life  in  your  own  vessels ;  which  will  keep  you 
pure,  precious,  and  chaste  in  the  eye  of  the  Lord.  And, 
O !  do  not  meddle  with  talking  about  others,  which  eats 
out  the  inward  life,  and  may  exalt  your  spirits  out  of  your 
place,  and  above  your  proper  growth :  be  as  the  weaned 
child,  simple,  naked,  meek,  humble,  tender  ;  easily  led  by, 
and  subjected  to  the  Father :  so  will  ye  grow  in  that  which 
is  of  God,  and  be  preserved  out  of  that,  which  hunteth 
after  the  pure  life  to  betray  and  destroy  it.  I  have  an 
interest  in  you,  my  cries  are  to  the  Lord  for  you,  and  I 
exceedingly  thirst  after  your  preservation  and  growth  ia 
6*  E 


66 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


that  which  is  pure ;  and  in  that  breathing,  longing  spirit 
towards  you,  was  it  in  my  heart  at  this  time  to  write  unto 
you. 

The  Lord  God  of  my  mercies,  hope  and  life,  watch  over 
you  for  good,  and  keep  your  hearts  in  the  pure  and  single 
watch  ;  that  the  enemy,  by  any  subtle  device  of  liis,  break 
not  in  upon  you  ;  nor  ye,  by  any  temptation,  be  allured  or 
drawn  from  the  Lord ;  but,  may  know  the  pure,  eternal, 
everlasting  habitation,  and  may  dwell  and  abide  therein, 
to  the  joy  of  your  own  souls,  and  the  rejoicing  of  the 
hearts  of  all  that  have  travailed  for  you  in  the  Spirit  of 
the  Lord. 

From  your  brother  and  companion  in  the  faith,  patience, 
and  afflictions  of  the  seed.  I.  P. 

Ayi.esbiiry  Prison, 
25th  of  Eleventh  Month,  1666. 

POSTSCRIPT. 

Thus,  feel  after  that  which  hath  gathered  you  to  the 
Lord ;  and  then  also,  in  that,  ye  will  feel  the  life,  fresh- 
ness, and  glory  in  the  Lord,  of  those,  who  have  been  made 
instrumental  to  gather  you,  and  are  still  serviceable  in  his 
hand  and  leadings,  to  build  you  up  ;  and  then,  that  which 
is  ready  to  hea,rken  to  and  receive  prejudices,  will  be  kept 
down,  and  the  pure  life  will  live  over  it,  which  he  that 
feels  has  joy,  and  peace,  and  rest  in  God. 

And,  Friends,  you  that  are  weak,  bless  God  for  the 
strong ;  you  that  liave  need  of  a  pillar  to  lean  upon,  bless 
God,  that  hath  provided  pillars  in  his  house ;  and,  in  fear 
and  the  guidance  of  his  Spirit,  make  use  of  theSe  pillars; 
who  are  faithful,  and  have  ability  from  God,  in  his  power 
and  glorious  presence  wiJ;h  them,  to  help  to  sustain  his 
building,  even  as  they  had  ability  from  the  Lord  to  gather 
unto  him.    He  that  despiseth  him  that  is  sent,  despiseth 


LETTERS   OF    ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


67 


Him  tliat  sent  him  ;  and  lie  that  undervalues  any  gift, 
ofBce,  or  work,  that  God  hath  bestowed  upon  any  person, 
despiseth  the  wisdom  and  disposal  of  the  Giver.  Are  all 
fathers  ?  have  all  overcome  the  enemy  ?  are  all  grown  up 
in  the  life?  are  all  stars  in  the  firmament  of  God's  power  ? 
hath  God  made  all  equal  ?  are  there  not  different  states, 
different  degrees,  different  growths,  different  places,  &c.  ? 
Then,  if  God  hath  made  a  difference,  and  given  degrees 
of  life,  and  gifts  different,  according  to  his  pleasure  ;  what 
wisdom  and  spirit  is  that,  which  doth  not  acknowledge 
this,  but  would  make  all  equal?  O  my  Friends!  fear 
before  the  Lord  ;  honour  the  Lord  in  his  appearances,  and 
in  the  differences  which  he  hath  made  among  the  children 
of  men,  and  among  his  people.  He  gave  prophets  of  old, 
and  the  rest  of  the  people  were  not  equal  with  them.  He 
gave  evangelists,  apostles,  pastors,  teachers,  &c.,  and  the 
other  members  of  tlie  churches  were  not  equal  with  them. 
He  hath  given  fathers  and  elders  now,  and  the  babes  and 
young  men  are  not  equal  with  them.  Tiius  it  is,  in  truth, 
from  the  Lord  ;  and  that  which  is  of  God  in  you,  will  so 
acknowledge  it. 

Therefore,  watch,  every  one,  to  feel  and  know  his  own 
place  and  service  in  the  body,  and  to  be  sensible  of  the 
gifts,  places,  and  services  of  others ;  that  the  Lord  may  be 
honoured  in  all,  and  every  one  owned  and  honoured  in 
the  Lord,  and  iio  otherwise.  I.  P. 

26th  of  Eleventh  Month,  1CG6. 


LETTER  XXIL 

To  a  Couple  about  to  Marry. 

Dear  Friends,  —  It  is  a  great  and  weighty  thing  that 
ye  are  about ;  and  ye  have  need  of  the  Lord's  leading  and 


68 


LETTERS   OF    ISAAC  PEXINGTON. 


t•oull^^el  therein,  that  it  may  be  done  in  the  unity  of  hia 
life;  that  so  Friends  in  truth  may  feel  it  to  be  of  God, 
and  find  satisfaction  therein. 

Friends,  the  art'ectionate  part  will  be  forward  in  things 
of  this  nature,  unless  it  be  yoked  down ;  and  it  will  per- 
suade the  mind  to  judge  such  things  to  be  right  and  of  the 
Lord,  when  indeed  they  are  not  so.  Now,  if  it  be  not  of 
tlie  Lord,  but  the  affectionate  part,  Friends  cannot  have 
unity  with  it,  nor  will  it  prove  a  blessing  to  you ;  but  you 
will  find  it  an  hurt  to  your  conditions,  and  a  load  upon 
your  spirits  afterwards,  and  the  fruits  and  effects  of  it  will 
not  be  good,  but  evil ;  and  then,  perhaps,  ye  Avill  wish  that 
ye  had  waited  more  singly  and  earnestly  upon  the  Lord, 
in  relation  to  the  thing  ;  and  that  ye  had  taken  more  time, 
and  consulted  more  with  Friends,  before  there  had  been 
any  engagement  of  affections.  The  Lord,  by  his  provi- 
dence, hath  given  you  a  little  time  of  respite.  O  retire 
unto  him,  and  abase  yourselves  before  him,  aud  pray  hira 
to  counsel  you,  by  his  good  Spirit,  for  your  good !  that,  if 
it  be  not  of  the  Lord,  the  power,  being  waited  upon  by 
you,  may  loosen  your  affections  in  this  respect.  But,  if  it 
be  of  the  Lord,  aud  be  orderly  brought  before  Friends, 
and  their  counsel  aud  advice  sought  iu  the  fear  of  the 
Lord,  they  will  have  unity  with  it,  and  with  gladness  ex- 
press their  unity ;  which  may  be  a  strength  unto  you, 
against  the  tempter  afterwards. 

This  is  in  true  love  to  you,  and  in  singleness  of  heart, 
the  Lord  knoweth.    From  your  Friend  in  the  Truth, 

I.  P. 

4th  of  Third  Month,  1668. 


LETTERS   OP   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


69 


LETTER  XXIIL 

The  day  of  God's  Power  and  Love. 

To  John  Mannock. 

Friend,  —  Hath  the  Lord  drawn  thy  heart  to  hear  the 
sound  of  Truth,  and  given  thee  some  sense  and  savour  thereof; 
though,  perhaps,  not  as  yet  full  satisfaction  in  all  things 
that  are  truly  and  faithfully  testified  concerning  it?  O 
prize  this  love  of  God  to  thee !  and  watch  and  pray,  and 
come  into  the  pure  fear ;  that  thou  mayest  walk  worthy 
of  it,  and  mayst  discern  in  spirit  what  it  is  that  gives  thee 
the  savour ;  and  so,  receive  the  leaven  of  the  kingdom 
and  feel  its  leavening  virtue  upon  tliy  heart  day  by  day. 
For,  after  the  Lord  hath  been  at  work,  the  enemy  will  be 
at  work  also  ;  and  thou  mayest  both  meet  with  him  with- 
out, and  within  too,  in  reasonings  and  questionings  against 
the  demonstrations  of  God's  Spirit  to  thy  heart  and  con- 
science. Now,  if  thou  wilt  hearken  to  these,  they  will  eat 
out  the  sense  and  belief  of  what  God's  Spirit  begat  in 
thee.  Oh  !  how  many  wise  men,  and  how  many  knowing 
men,  that  have  tasted  of  some  true  exj)eriences,  have  not 
the  sense  and  discerning  of  the  Spirit  and  power  of  the 
Lord,  as  it  is  now  made  manifest ;  but  speak  hard  words, 
and  think  hard  thoughts  of  his  truth  and  its  precious 
appearances. 

Ah !  what  are  we,  any  of  us,  on  whom  the  Lord  hath 
shown  his  mercy,  .and  whose  hearts  he  toucheth,  and 
maketh  sensible  of  his  drawings  ;  yea,  and  not  only  so,  but 
also  gives  us  to  partake  of  the  eternal  life  and  virtue,  which 
he  hath  hid  in  his  Son  from  the  eyes  of  all  living.  We 
sought  it  up  and  down,  in  the  deeps  and  heights ;  but  the 
deep  said,  It  is  not  in  me,  and  the  highest  mountain  and 


70 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PEXINGTOJT. 


liill  that  ever  we  met  with,  could  not  bring  salvation  to  us. 
But,  at  length,  we  found  the  fear  of  the  Lord  to  be  the 
true  wisdom,  and  that  which  taught  us  to  depart  from  evil, 
gave  us  the  true  understanding.  Is^ow,  if  any  among  us 
are  not  thus  taught,  but  only  own  the  doctrines  of  Truth 
published  among  us,  being  thereunto  overcome  by  the  de- 
monstration of  God's  Spirit ;  yet,  for  all  this,  they  are  not 
felt  by  us  in  the  life  and  unity  of  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord 
with  us;  and  such,  the  Lord  will  manifestly  prune  off,  in 
his  own  due  time,  and  graft  in  others  in  their  stead.  Yea, 
such  as  do  indeed  give  ujj  to  Truth,  and  in  measure  feel 
the  power  of  it,  and  are  made  by  the  power  of  the  Lord 
subject  to  it  —  yet,  if  in  anything  they  let  in  the  spirit  of 
the  world,  and  act  according  thereto,  so  far,  they  are  not 
of  the  Truth,  nor  owned  by  it. 

Now,  dear  Friend,  (for,  so  far  as  thy  heart  is  touched 
by  God's  Spirit,  and  answereth  thereto,  thou  art  dear  unto 
me,)  mind  thy  condition,  and  wait  on  the  Lord  in  humil- 
ity of  heart,  and  in  subjection  to  what  he  inwardly,  by  his 
Spirit,  daily  makes  manifest ;  that  thou  mayest  come  into 
the  obedience  of  the  Truth  daily  ;  that  thou  mayest  daily 
feel  the  change,  which  is  wrought  in  the  heart  and  con- 
science, by  the  holy,  eternal,  ever-living  power ;  that  so 
thou  mayest  witness,  according  to  the  Scriptures,  "that 
which  is  born  of  the  Spirit,  is  spirit."  And  then  thou  wilt 
feel,  that  this  birth  of  the  Spirit  cannot  fulfil  the  lusts  of 
the  flesh,  but  will  be  warring  and  fighting  the  good  fight 
of  faith,  in  the  power  of  life,  against  them  ;  and  thus,  in 
faithfulness  to  the  Truth,  and  waiting  upon  the  Lord,  thou 
shalt  witness  an  overcoming  in  his  due  time.  For,  indeed, 
the  true  faith  overcomes,  the  true  shield  beats  down  the 
most  fiery  darts,  and,  in  the  power  of  the  Lord,  tiie  enemy 
is  so  resisted,  that  he  fleeth  ;  and  the  name  of  the  Lord  is, 
indeed,  a  strong  tower  to  his  children,  to  which  his  seed 
know  how  to  retire  and  feel  safety. 


LETTERS   OF    ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


71 


O  the  conquering  foith,  the  overcoming  life  and  jiower 
of  the  Spirit !  We  cannot  but  speak  of  those  things  ;  and 
cry  up  the  perfect  gift,  and  the  power  of  Hina,  who  is  not 
only  able  to  perfect  his  work  in  the  heart,  but  delights  so 
to  do ;  and  even  to  tread  down  Satan  under  the  feet  of 
those,  that  wait  in  patience  for  the  perfect  conquest; 
for,  nothing  else  will  fully  satisfy.  The  rest,  the  peace, 
the  liberty,  the  life,  the  virtue  of  the  gospel,  is  not  fully 
known  and  enjoyed,  while  there  remains  any  sin  to  sting 
and  trouble.  And  this  I  can  faithfully  witness  ;  that  when 
the  power  is  revealed,  when  the  blood  washeth,  the  soul  is 
clean  and  as  white  as  snow  ;  and  the  enemy  hath  not  power 
to  break  in,  but  life  triumphs  over  him.  And  why  may 
there  not  be  a  continuance  of  such  a  state?  Yea,  I  verily 
believe,  many  can  witness  a  continuance  of  such  a  state ; 
which  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  doth  not  call  less  in  them 
than  a  perfect  state,  a  sound  state ;  wherein  Christ,  the 
heavenly  Physician,  hath  healed  them  perfectly,  and  made 
them  witnesses  of  true  soundness  of  soul  and  spirit  in  the 
sight  of  God.  O  that  all  knew  and  enjoyed  it,  who  truly 
desire  and  long  after  it ! 

But  as  for  thee,  this  is  in  my  heart  to  thee.  Thou  host 
found  the  pearl ;  the  Lord,  in  mercy  to  thee,  hath  discov- 
ered to  thee  the  true  pearl.  Now,  this  remains ;  that  thou 
be  a  wise  merchant,  selling  all  to  purchase  it.  Thou  must 
keep  back  nothing.  Christ,  the  living  Truth,  the  holy 
power  of  righteousness,  must  be  dearer  to  thee  than  all. 
If  father,  mother,  livelihood,  liberty,  friendship,  outward 
advantages,  &c.,  or  anything  else,  be  dearer  to  thee  than 
him,  he  will  look  upon  thee  as  unworthy  of  liim  ;  and  can- 
not but  turn  from  thee,  and  suffer  hardness  and  darkness 
to  come  again  upon  thee.  Therefore,  prize  the  day  of  thy 
visitation  from  the  holy  God,  from  the  God  of  mercy  and 
salvation  ;  and  be  faithful  in  the  little,  in  the  day  of  small 
things,  if  ever  thou  desire  to  enjoy  and  be  ruler  overmuch. 


72 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENIXGTOX. 


The  Lord  may  exercise  thee  in,  and  require  of  thee,  little 
things ;  as  he  hath  done  the  rest  of  the  flock,  whose  foot- 
steps thou  art  to  follow  to  the  Shepherd's  tents ;  and  the 
enemy  will  be  endeavouring  to  stop  thee,  and  perplex  thee, 
in  every  little  thing  that  the  Lord  requires  of  thee.  But, 
be  thou  sinijile,  like  a  child,  not  taking  care  what  to  an- 
swer wise  professors,  nor  what  to  answer  the  reasoning  of 
thy  own  mind ;  but,  seeing  thou  hast  felt  the  demonstra- 
tion of  Truth  from  God's  Holy  Spirit,  O !  breathe  unto 
the  Loi"d,  to  preserve  thee  in  the  innocency  and  simplicity 
thereof,  that  the  Lord  may  still  be  M'ith  thee  ;  and  thereby 
bring  thee  through  the  day  of  Jacob's  trouble,  to  taste  of 
Jacob's  deliverance  and  salvation  out  of  trouble  :  for,  thou 
must  meet  with  trials  as  well  as  others  have  done,  and 
the  enemy's  endeavour  will  be,  to  make  thee  stumble  and 
start  back  in  the  day  of  trial.  But,  if  thine  eye  be  towards 
the  Lord,  he  will  uphold  and  strengthen  thee,  and  bring 
thee  through  all  that  stands  in  thy  way ;  manifesting  to 
thee,  daily  more  and  more,  the  path  of  holiness,  in  which 
the  ransomed  of  the  Lord  walk,  and  enabling  thee  also  to 
walk  therein. 

Therefore,  watch  the  thoughts  and  reasonings  which  rise 
in  thee,  and  retire  from  them,  waiting  to  feel  the  pure  seed, 
and  to  hear  its  voice  in  stillness  ;  whose  voice  is.  otherwise, 
than  after  the  noises  of  the  questionings  and  reasonings, 
which  the  enemy  raisetli  in  the  mind,  to  fill  it  with  doubts 
and  troubles;  and  to  weaken  the  faith  and  sense  which 
God  wrought  in  the  heart,  when  he  reached  forth  his 
Truth,  in  the  power  and  demonstration  of  his  Spirit,  unto 
it.  This  was  God's  love,  this  was  the  day  of  his  power; 
which  loosens  the  mind  from  its  lovers,  and  the  ways  of 
its  own  choosing,  and  begets  a  willingness  to  be  joined  to 
the  Lord  and  his  pure  Truth. 

O  take  heed  of  hearkening  to  the  enemy,  to  the  subtle 
reasouer,  the  eutaugler  of  the  soul  I  take  heed  of  consult- 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


73 


•  iiig  there,  where  he  lays  his  baits  to  entangle  the  mind, 
and  undo  the  work  of  God's  power  in  the  heart ;  and  so,  to 
make  unwilling  again,  after  the  Lord  had  made  willing. 
The  steps  which  the  soul  takes  in  the  power,  even  the 
inclining  of  the  mind  towards  tlie  Lord  and  his  pure  Truth, 
tend  to  salvation  ;  but,  if  any  let  in  unbelief  of  those  things, 
concerning  which  God  had  wrought  faith  in  them,  they 
draw  back  to  perdition ;  tliey  hearken  to  that  which  tempts 
from  the  Lord,  and  to  him  whose  end  is  to  destroy  them. 

This  is  in  true  love  to  thee,  and  from  an  upright  desire, 
that  thou  mayest  feel  the  Lord's  preservation  of  thy  soul, 
in  that  which  is  of  him,  and  his  separating  thee  from  all 
that  is  not  of  him. 

From  a  Friend  to  all  that  breathe  after  the  Lord,  and 
desire  to  know  and  partake  of  the  power  and  life  of  Truth 
as  it  is  in  Jesus,  the  alone  Redeemer  and  Saviour  of  the 
soul.  L  P. 

3d  or  4tli  of  Tenth  Month,  16G8. 


LETTER  XXIV. 

On  Simplicity  of  Faith  and  Dedication. 

To  John  Mannock. 

Friend,  —  It  is  a  wonderful  thing,  to  witness  the  power 
of  God  reaching  to  the  heart,  and  demonstrating  to  the 
soul  the  pure  way  to  life,  as  in  his  sight  and  presence. 
Surely,  he  that  partakes  of  this,  is  therein  favoured  by  the 
Lord,  and  ought  diligently  to  wait,  for  the  giving  up  to 
the  leadings  of  his  Holy  Spirit  in  cveiy  thing;  that  so,  he 
may  travel  througli  all  that  is  contrary  to  tlie  Lord,  into 
that  nature  and  spirit  which  is  of  Him.  It  is  a  wonderful 
thing,  also,  to  witness  God's  preservation  from  backsliding, 
7 


74 


LETTERS   OF    ISAAC  PEXIXGTOX. 


and  from  being  entangled  by  the  subtlety  of  the  enemy  ; 
who  hath  many  ways  and  taking  devices  to  ensnare  the 
simple  mind,  and  draw  it  from  the  sense  of  Truth,  into 
some  notions  and  belief  of  things ;  wherein  the  soul  may 
be  lulled  asleep  with  hopes  and  persuasions,  but  hath  not 
the  feeling  or  enjoyment  of  the  true  life  and  power. 

O  Friend  !  hast  thou  a  sense  of  the  way  to  the  Father  ? 
then,  be  careful  that  thy  spirit  daily  bow  before  him,  and 
wait  for  breathings  to  him  from  his  pure  Spirit,  that  he 
would  continue  his  mercy  to  thee  ;  keeping  thee  in  the  true 
sense,  and  making  thy  way  more  and  more  clear  before 
thee  every  day  ;  —  yea,  and  bearing  thee  up  in  all  the  exer- 
cises and  trials  which  may  befall  thee,  in  every  kind  ;  that, 
by  his  secret  working  in  thy  spirit,  and  helping  thee  with 
a  little  help  from  time  to  time,  thou  mayest  still  bo  advanc- 
ing nearer  and  nearer  towards  the  kingdom  ;  until  thou 
find  the  Lord  God  administer  an  entrance  unto  thee  there- 
into, and  give  thee  an  inheritance  of  life,  joy,  righteous- 
ness, and  peace  therein  ;  —  which  is  strength  unto  the  soul 
against  sin  and  death,  and  against  the  sorrow  and  trouble 
which  ariseth  in  the  mind,  for  want  of  God's  i)reseuce  and 
holy  power  revealed  there. 

And,  be  not  careful  after  the  flesh,  but  trust  the  Lord. 
What  though  thou  art  weak,  and  little;  though  thou  meet 
with  those  that  are  wise  and  knowing ;  and  almost  every 
way  able  to  reason  thee  down  ;  what  though  thou  hast  not 
wherewith  to  answer  ;  yet,  thou  knowest  and  hast  the  feel- 
ing of  God's  pure  Truth  in  spirit,  with  a  desire  to  have 
the  life  of  it  brought  forth  in  thee,  and  so,  to  witness  the 
change  and  renewings  which  are  by  his  power.  O  dear 
heart !  herein  thou  art  accepted  of  the  Lord,  and  here  his 
tender  love  and  care  will  be  over  thee,  and  his  mercy  will 
daily  reach  to  thee ;  and  thou  shalt  have  true  satisfaction 
in  thy  heart,  and  hold  the  Truth  there,  where  all  the 
reasojiings  of  men,  and  all  the  devices  of  the  enemy  of  thy 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


75 


soul,  shall  not  be  able  to  reach  ;  —  yea,  thou  shalt  so  feel 
the  Lord  to  help  his  babe  against  the  strength  of  the 
mighty,  in  the  seasons  of  his  good  pleasure,  as  shall  ex- 
ceedingly turn  to  his  praise  ;  and  so,  thou  shalt  experience, 
that  whom  God  preserves,  all  the  gates  of  hell  shall  not 
be  able  to  j^revail  against.  Therefore,  look  not  out  at 
men,  or  at  the  words  and  wisdom  of  men  ;  but,  keep  where 
thou  hast  felt  the  Lord  visit  thee,  that  he  may  visit  thee 
yet  again  and  again,  every  day,  and  be  teaching  thee 
further  and  further  the  way  to  his  dwelling-place,  and  be 
drawing  thee  thither,  where  is  righteousness,  life,  rest,  and 
peace,  forever ! 

This  arose  in  my  heart  this  morning,  in  tender  love 
towards  thee.  Look  up  to  the  Lord,  who  can  make  it 
useful  to  thee,  to  warm,  quicken,  and  strengthen  thy  heart 
and  mind  towards  the  Lord,  and  his  pure  Truth,  where- 
with he  has  visited  thee.  And  if  thou  feel  any  thing 
therein,  suitable  to  the  state  and  condition  of  thy  soul,  O 
bow  before  the  Lord !  that  in  the  true  humility  thou 
mayest  confess,  and  give  the  glory  to  him  of  what  belongs 
to  him. 

From  thy  Friend  in  the  Truth,  which  cleanseth  the 
heart  from  iniquity,  as  it  is  embraced  and  dwelt  in. 

I.  P. 

23cl  of  Tenth  montli,  16C8. 


LETTER  XXV. 

The  Blessedness  of  Suffering  for  Christ's  Sake. 

To  Emzabeth  Wat.msley. 

Dear  Friend, — Who  art  lovely  to  me  in  that  precious 
life,  wherewith  the  Lord  luith  visited  thee,  and  wherein 


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LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


he  hath  brought  thee  forth  for  his  service,  and  to  his 
praise. 

Our  Father  is  wise  aud  powerful,  who  hath  begun  a 
work  which  he  is  able  to  carry  on ;  and  all  the  briars  and 
thorns  of  the  wilderness,  are  not  able  to  stop  his  course, 
who  is  "  a  consuming  fire." 

I  find  the  spirits  of  Friends  here  much  raised,  who 
dwell  in  the  fear  and  dread  of  the  Lord  God  Almighty, 
where  the  fear  and  dread  of  man  is  removed  far  away. 
The  Lord  preserve  us  near  unto  himself,  out  of  that  which 
separates  from  him  and  weakens ;  and  nothing  shall  be 
able  to  interrupt  our  joy  in  the  Lord,  nor  our  delight  and 
pleasure  in  his  will.  Lo  !  I  come,  saith  the  child,  to  do 
thy  will,  O  God !  to  drink  the  cup  thou  hast  prepared  ; 
although  there  is  a  nature  which  cannot  but  say.  If  it  be 
possible,  let  it  pass  away  ;  but,  that  nature  is  bowed  down 
and  subjected  under  its  proper  yoke,  and,  in  submission, 
is  kept  out  of  sinning  against  the  Lord  ;  and  is  accepted 
by  him  who  bows  it,  and  makes  it  willing  to  follow  the 
Lamb  in  the  day  of  his  power. 

Truly,  the  Lord  hath  done  great  things  for  us!  he  hath 
given  us  the  sight  and  knowledge  of  himself  in  his  Son, 
which  is  life  eternal :  he  hath  given  us  of  the  nature  and 
spirit  of  his  Son  ;  he  hath  given  us  of  the  true  faith,  where- 
by the  just  lives,  and  obtains  victory  over  sin,  death,  and 
the  grave  ;  he  hath  given  us  of  the  hope  which  purifies 
the  heart,  and  stays  the  mind  in  all  storms ;  he  hath  given 
us  of  the  Lamb's  patience  aud  meekness,  &c.  And  now, 
if  he  will  brighten  these  by  afflictions,  and  try  them,  and 
cause  them  to  shine  to  his  glory  ;  yea,  and  take  advantage 
to  increase  them,  and  add  further  virtue  to  them,  what 
cause  have  any  of  us  to  complain  ?  Israel,  of  old,  after 
the  flesh,  murmured  upon  every  trial ;  but  Israel,  after 
the  new  creation,  doth  not  so,  but  blesseth  the  Lord,  and 
repiueth  not  at  the  instruments  which  he  permitteth  to 


LETTERS    OF    ISAAC  PEXINGTON, 


77 


afflict  them  ;  but  they  love  the  Lord  and  love  his  Truth, 
and  are  fiiithful  in  their  testimony  thereto,  whatever  be- 
falls thom.  Yea,  they  rejoice  that  they  are  counted  worthy 
to  suffer  in  any  kind  for  his  name's  sake,  and  are  like 
lambs  before  the  shearers,  not  opening  their  mouths  in  a 
way  of  murmuring  or  reviling;  but  instead  thereof,  pity- 
ing them,  praying  for  them,  and  blessing ;  because  God 
hath  made  them  children  of  love,  children  of  peace,  chil- 
dren of  blessing ;  which  nature  they  retain,  in  the  midst 
of  all  their  trials  and  afflictions,  and  show  forth  the  virtues 
of  Him  that  hath  called  them. 

So  that,  men  shall  not  put  out  our  life,  nor  jftit  out  our 
light,  nor  sever  us  from  the  love  and  power  of  God  ;  but, 
the  more  need  we  find  of  our  God,  and  of  his  help  and 
strength,  the  nearer  shall  we  be  driven  to  him,  and  dwell 
more  closely  in  union  with  him,  and  in  holy  and  humble 
dependence  upon  him.  And,  in  this  temper,  shall  we 
draw  and  receive  more  from  him  :  and  the  more  we  draw 
from  him,  the  better  will  it  be  with  us,  and  the  more  like 
him  shall  we  be. 

The  Lord  keep  open  that  heavenly  eye  in  his  children 
and  servants,  which  looks  over  this  world,  with  the  affairs 
and  concerns  thereof,  to  that  which  is  immortal  and  invisi- 
ble ;  where  our  life  is  hid  from  others,  though  made  mani- 
fest in  and  felt  by  us,  from  the  living  spring  which 
quickens,  uourisheth,  and  refresheth.  And  as  afflictions 
abound  from  men,  so  shall  consolations,  life,  and  strength 
abound  from  the  Lord,  unto  all,  and  upon  all,  who  look 
not  out,  but  abide  and  await  there,  where  it  springs  and 
flows. 

My  dear  love  is  to  Friends  in  these  parts,  (particularly 
M.  O.)  ;  the  Lord  preserve  them  and  keep  them  near  to 
himself,  that  they  may  receive  counsel  and  strength  from 
him,  according  to  their  need.  I  am  sensible  of  thy  great 
love  to  us,  expressed  in  thy  care  and  tenderness  of  our 
7* 


78 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


cliild,  as  well  as  in  other  things:  I  hope  she  is  no  burden 
to  thee.  O  that  she  might  feel  and  be  guided  by  that, 
which  keeps  in  order  all  that  are  subject  to  it! 

I  remain  thy  Friend  and  brother,  in  the  life  and  love 
which  never  dies  nor  changes,  I.  P. 

18th  of  Second  month,  1670. 


LETTER  XXVI. 

Exhortation,  chiefly,  on  Revelations,  xiv.  7,  "Fear  God,  give  Glory 
to  Him,"  &c. 

To  Widow  Hemmixgs. 

Dear  Friend, —  Since  I  last  saw  thee,  there  have  been 
many  deep  and  serious  thoughts  on  my  heart  concern- 
ing thee  ;  and  a  sense  of  thy  state  as  before  the  Lord,  and 
breathings  of  heart  for  thee.  I  am  sensible,  that  the  Spirit 
of  the  Lord  is  striving  with  thee,  and  in  some  measure 
opening  thy  heart  towards  him  and  his  Truth  ;  and  I  am 
sensible  withal,  that  there  is  much  striving  against  him ; 
and  many  strong  holds  of  wisdom  and  reasonings  in  thee, 
Avhich  must  be  broken  down,  before  Truth  can  spring  up 
in  thy  heart,  and  exercise  its  power  in  thee,  and  have  full 
command  in  thee. 

Now,  this  morning,  when  I  awoke,  there  were  three 
things  sprang  up  in  me,  which  my  heart  did  singly  and 
earnestly  desire  for  thee.  One  was,  that  thou  mightst  be 
led  by  God's  Holy  Spirit  into,  the  new  and  living  cove- 
nant, where  Ghrist  is  revealed,  and  the  soul  united  to  him 
as  its  Lord  and  King,  in  a  bond  of  indissoluble  union. 
Another  was,  that  thou  mightst  daily  be  taught  of  God, 
and  learn  of  him,  in  this  holy,  new,  pure,  and  everlasting 
covenant.    The  third  was,  that  thou  mightst  be  true  and 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


79 


faithful  to  God,  to  obey  and  follow  him  in  whatever  he 
teaclies  and  requires  of  thee. 

^  If  thou  wert  but  in  this  state,  thou  wouldst  find  sweet- 
ness and  rest,  peace  and  power,  the  righteousness  of  our 
Ix)rd  Jesus  Christ,  and  life  eternal,  revealed  in  thy  own 
heart ;  and  with  joy  draw  water  out  of  the  wells  of  salva- 
tion. 

Now,  if  thou  come  to  witness  Christ's  appearance  in 
spirit,  and  wilt  become  a  disciple  unto  him,  there  are  three 
things  thou  must  apply  thy  heart  to  learn  of  him ;  which 
indeed  are  the  sum  of  the  gospel,  or  of  what  is  taught  iu 
and  by  the  gospel.  The  first  is,  to /ear  Ood.  This  is  the 
beginning  of  true  heavenly  wisdom,  and  this  is  the  per- 
fection and  the  end  of  wisdom  also ;  for,  true  wisdom  not 
only  brings  into  the  fear,  but  it  builds  up  in  the  fear,  yea, 
and  perfects  in  the  fear  also ;  according  as  the  apostle 
saith,  "  Perfecting  holiness  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord."  Now, 
this  is  not  sucli  a  fear,  as  man  can  attain  by  all  he  can  do; 
but  is  the  fear  of  the  new  covenant,  which  God  puts  into 
the  hearts  of  his  children,  as  he  quickens  them  and  brings 
them  up  in  the  new  covenant.  This  is  such  a  fear,  as  that 
those  in  whom  it  is  placed,  cannot  de])art  from  the  Lord ; 
nor,  abiding  in  it,  err  from  the  way  of  life  and  holiness ; 
for  all  sin  and  transgression,  all  rebellion  against  the  Lord, 
and  grieving  and  quenching  his  Spirit,  is  out  of  this  fear. 
O  that  thou  mightst  receive  this  fear  from  the  Lord,  and 
grow  up  unto  him  daily  in  it! 

The  second,  which  depends  upon  and  Hows  from  the 
former,  is,  to  give  glonj  to  God,  iu  discerning  his  life  and 
power,  and  tlie  virtue  of  his  Spirit  and  his  grace,  working 
all  in  thee ;  and  so,  still  ascribing  the  glory  to  him,  of  all 
thou  art,  dost,  or  canst  do :  for,  in  the  day  of  the  gospel, 
no  flesh  can  glory  in  the  presence  of  our  God ;  but,  the 
Lord  alone  is  exalted  in  the  spirits  of  his  children,  in  that 
day.    And  indeed,  as  every  one  comes  into  the  fear  of  the 


80 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


new  covenant,  the  presence  of  the  Lord  is  there,  dwelling 
in  the  midst  of  the  heart ;  and  he  is  found  working  all 
therein,  and  bringing  forth  the  seed  of  life,  and  working^ 
down  sin,  and  death,  and  corruption.  And  they  that  are 
here,  feel  their  own  poverty  and  nothingness,  as  in  them- 
selves ;  and  that  their  way  to  become  strong  in  Christ,  is 
first  to  become  weak  in  themselves :  and  so,  when  they 
are  strong  in  him,  he  who  is  their  strength  is  glorified  and 
admired,  and  self  is  of  no  reputation  or  value  forever  and 
ever ;  for,  that  is  cleaved  to,  which  brought  down  self,  and 
that  power  and  spirit  being  cleaved  to,  still  keeps  it  down. 

The  third  is,  that  thou  learn  to  worship  God  in  spirit 
and  truth.  O  this  worship  is  precious  indeed !  and  this  is 
the  only  sort  of  worship  which  God  seeketh  and  regardeth, 
among  the  many  various  kinds  of  worshippers  which  ap- 
pear at  this  day.  This  worship  was  declared  by  Christ, 
and  taught  his  disciples ;  but  it  has  been  in  great  measure 
departed  from  ;  and  though  many  have  sought  after  it, 
yet  none  ever  could  ^ud  it,  but  as  they  have  learned  of  the 
Father  to  return  to  the  anointing ;  and  so,  to  be  gathered 
into  his  Spirit,  where  Christ's  name  is  known,  and  where 
they  that  meet  together,  worship  in  his  name :  and,  of  a 
truth,  none  know  or  can  worship  in.  Christ's  name  besides 
these.  There  have  been  great  mistakes  about  worship 
and  gatherings ;  they  having  not  been  in  the  name  and 
power  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  but  only  in  a  profession 
thereof,  and  an  imitation  of  things,  without  the  true  life 
and  power ;  and  what  is  that  worship  and  religion  in  the 
sight  of  the  Lord? 

Now,  that  thou  may  est  come  into  this  state,  and  learn 
all  these  lessons  of  the  Lord  in  the  new  covenant,  there  is 
one  thing  indispensably  necessary  for  thee ;  which  is,  to 
know  the  hour  of  God's  judgment  in  thy  own  heart,  and  to 
lie  under  the  judgment  of  the  Lord,  bearing  it  till  he 
finish  it,  and  bring  it  forth  unto  victory.    For,  this  is  the 


LETTERS 


OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


81 


way  whereby  he  purges  and  redeems  tlic  soul ;  to  wit,  by 
the  spirit  of  judgment  and  burning.  Thou  must  therefore 
wait  for,  and  come  to  feel,  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  near 
thee,  discovering  sin  to  thee,  and  revealing  judgment 
against  it,  and  executing  his  righteous  judgment  upon  the 
evil  nature  in  thee ;  that  he  may  raise  up  that  good  and 
tender  plant  of  righteousness,  out  of  the  dry  and  barren 
ground,  to  which  his  mercy  is. 

If  thou  come  to  know  God's  Spirit,  and  to  receive  it, 
and  feel  it  work  in  thee,  and  its  pure  light  shine  from  Ihe 
fountain  and  spring  of  life,  thou  wilt  have  a  quicker  sense 
and  discerning  therefrom,  thau  can  arise  either  from  words 
written,  or  from  thoughts  ;  that  is,  the  Lord  will  show  thee 
the  way  whereof  thou  doubtest,  quicker  than  a  thought 
can  arise  in  thee ;  and  the  Lord  will  show  thee  evil,  in  a 
pure  sense  of  the  new  nature,  quicker  than  thou  canst 
think  or  consider  of  any  thing.  And  indeed,  this  is  need- 
ful ;  for,  sin  lodges  in  the  evil  nature  inwardly,  and  works, 
not  so  much  by  a  known  law  set  up  in  the  mind,  as  by  a 
secret  nature ;  and,  if  it  be  not  resisted  and  withstood  by 
another  nature,  it  can  never  be-overcome.  Now,  by  this 
judgment  set  up  in  the  heart,  doth  God  overcome  and 
keep  down  sin  forever  ;  for,  the  judgment  of  God  is  stronger 
than  sin,  and  will  bring  it  down,  where  his  judgment  is 
received  and  abode  in ;  and  that  which  brought  it  down, 
being  kept  to,  will  keep  it  down  ;  and,  it  being  kept  down, 
life  and  righteousness,  even  the  righteous  life,  Spirit,  and 
power  of  the  Lord  Jesus  inwardly  revealed,  will  be  upper- 
most, and  reign  over  it. 

Perhaps  these  words,  at  present,  may  be  hard  unto  thee : 
but,  if  tliou  come  to  wait  on  God's  Holy  Spirit,  and  to  the 
feeling  of  his  appearance  in  thy  heart,  and  learn  of  him 
to  know  what  is  good  and  what  is  evil  in  thy  words,  ways, 
worship,  yea,  and  in  thy  very  heart  and  thoughts,  and  also 
to  choose  the  good  and  refuse  the  evil ;  they  will  grow 

F 


82 


LETTERS   OF    ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


easier  and  easier,  and  plainer  and  plainer,  daily,  as  thou 
comest  into  the  sense  and  experience  of  the  things  they 
mention.  And  thou  wilt  find  Christ,  inwardly  revealed 
iu  spirit,  to  be  very  properly  called  the  Word  of  God, 
even  the  ingrafted  word  which  is  able  to  save  the  soul ; 
for  he  is  quick  and  powerful,  and  sharper  than  any  two- 
edged  sword,  able  to  cut  down  all  that  shall  appear  or  rise 
up  iu  the  heart,  to  resist  or  oppose  his  work. 

The  Lord  so  guide  thee,  inanifest  himself  to  thee,  help 
thee^  and  lead  thee  by  his  Holy  Spirit  and  power,  as  that 
thou  mayest  come  undeniably  to  experience,  and  to  be  sat- 
isfied by  him  about  these  things.  And  mind  not  so  much 
to  knoiv,  as  to  be  obedient  and  subjected  to  the  Lord,  both 
in  thy  heart  and  in  thy  conversation  also,  in  the  least 
thing  that  he  makes  manifest.  If  the  Lord  would  show 
thee  but  this  one  thing, — that,  to  use  "thee"  and  "thou" 
to  a  particular  person,  is  proper  language,  and  Scripture 
language ;  and  that,  to  say  "  you,"  is  improper,  and  arose 
from  pride,  and  nourisheth  pride,  and  so  is  of  the  world, 
and  not  of  the  Father;  and  thou  should  bow  thy  spirit  to 
him  in  this  one  thing,  thou  little  thinkest  what  a  work  it 
would  make  within  thee,  and  how  strongly  the  spirit  of 
darkness  would  fight  against  thy  subjection  thereto.  The 
Lord  lead  thee  as  he  seeth  good,  and  give  thee  faithfully 
to  follow ;  for  else,  if  the  Lord  should  lead  in  anything, 
and  thou  not  follow  in  that  thing,  his  Spirit  would  be 
grieved  and  vexed  thereby,  and  thy  heart  in  danger  of 
being  hardened  by  the  deceitfulness  of  sin. 

The  Lord  give  thee  the  sense  and  savour  of  these  things; 
that  thou  mayest  thereby  be  kindled  to  wait  on  the  Lord, 
to  be  led  into  the  light  of  the  living  ;  that  thou  mayest  live 
a)id  walk  with  hira  therein,  who  is,  and  dwells,  and  walks 
with  his,  in  the  light.  O  house  of  Jacob !  come  ye,  let  us 
walk  in  the  light  of  the  Lord,  and  let  us  come  up  to  Zion,  the 
holy  hill  of  God,  and  to  the  gospel  Jerusalem,  that  there  he 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PEXIXGTOISr, 


83 


may  toai'h  us  of  his  ways,  and  we  may  there  learn  of  him 
to  walk  ill  his  i)aths  ;  for  there,  is  the  place  of  wisdom  and 
true  understanding,  which  none  know  but  those  that  are 
taught  of  God. 

This  is  in  true  friendship  and  tender  love  to  thy  soul, 
from  its  Friend  in  truth  and  sincerity,  I.  P. 

26th  of  Eighth  Montli,  1670. 


LETTER  XXVII. 

Advice  and  Sympathy  under  Trial. 
To  Elizabeth  Walmsley. 

My  very  dear  Friend, —  Many  are  the  trials,  afflic- 
tions, and  temptations,  which  the  Lord  seeth  good  to  exer- 
cise us  with,  for  the  purifying  and  making  us  white,  that 
he  may  honour  his  name  in  us  and  through  us :  but  this 
promise  stands  sure  in  the  seed,  "I  will  never  leave  thee, 
nor  forsake  thee."  And,  if  our  God  be  with  us  and  for  us, 
what  can  prevail  against  the  work  and  design  of  bis  love 
and  power  towards  us  ? 

I  am  deeply  sensible  of  thy  condition,  feeling  it,  even  in 
the  tender  and  melting  love  of  my  heart  towards  thee ; 
and  this  word  sjjrang  in  me  to  thee.  Look  not  out,  but 
trust  in  the  Lord,  who  can  make  things  easier  than  they 
seem  likely  to  be  ;  and  will  certainly  carry  his  through 
the  hardest  things,  which  he  suffers  to  befall  them. 

O  !  the  Lord  keep  all  in  his  pure  innoceucy  ;  out  of  the 
earthly  contriving  wisdom,  which  saith.  Save  thyself,  avoid 
this  dreadful  brunt,  this  stroke  of  the  cross;  which  it  is 
easy  to  hearken  to,  if  the  mind  be  not  kept  to  that  eye 
and  that  wisdom,  which  discovers  the  tempter,  aud  iustruct- 
elh  the  bird  to  escajje  his  suare. 


84 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


My  dear  love  is  to  thee,  and  to  all  faithful  Friends. 
The  Lord  keep  you  from  hearkeuiug  to  the  enemy,  and 
make  you  faithful  to  him,  in  the  pure  iuuocency  and  heav- 
enly wisdom  which  is  of  him  ;  for,  Truth  triumphs  over 
deceit,  and  the  life  of  the  Lamb  on  the  cross,  reigns  and 
triumphs  over  death :  glory  to  Him,  who  hath  overcome 
in  his  person,  and  who  teacheth  us  to  overcome,  through 
faith  in  his  power, —  and  from  the  overflowings  of  the  con- 
quering life  in  our  hearts,  which  first  brings  down  that 
which  is  contrary  to  Truth,  and  then  reigns  in  the  Truth. 

Thy  Friend  in  the  love  which  never  dies,  and  iu  the 
Truth  which  changes  not,  I.  P. 

Catsgrove, 
14th  of  Tenth  Month,  1670. 


LETTER  XXVIIL 

Of  Obedience  in  Confessing  Christ ;  also  on  the  Light  of  Christ. 

To  Elizabeth  Stonah. 

Dear  Friend, —  I  am  sensible  that  the  Lord  hath 
visited  thee  with  his  power,  reaching  to  thy  heart  in  the 
demonstration  of  his  own  Spirit,  and  that  thy  heart  hath 
answered,  and  said  in  the  inward  of  thy  soul.  It  is  God's 
Truth  indeed.  Now,  so  far  as  God  hath  reached  to  thee, 
so  far  it  behooves  thee  to  confess  him,  his  Truth,  and  peo- 
ple before  men,  and  to  give  up  in  obedience  and  subjec- 
tion of  Spirit  to  the  Lord.  And,  if  thou  say,  in  the  sim- 
plicity of  thy  heart,  to  any  that  have  any  tenderness, 
Thus  it  is  with  me  ;  I  believe  from  my  heart  this  or  this  is 
of  God ;  what  shall  I  do  ?  shall  I  give  up  in  obedience 
thereto,  or  shall  I  disobey  the  Lord,  grieve  his  Spirit,  and 
wound  my  own  soul  ?    This  will  reach  that  which  is  of 


LETTERS   OF    ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


85 


God  in  any;  and  this  will  wound  and  trouble  that  which 
is  not  of  God. 

The  Lord  guide  thee,  and  pity  thee,  and  help  thee  in 
thy  straits,  and  doubts,  and  fears,  and  troubles,  both  in 
reference  to  thyself  and  mother.  God  is  my  witness,  whom 
I  serve  in  my  spirit,  in  the  gospel  of  his  Son,  that  I  have 
not  sought  myself,  but  your  good ;  aud  that,  not  of  my- 
self neither,  but  in  the  leadings  and  drawings  of  his  Holy 
Spirit.  And  I  gave  thy  husband  a  warning,  in  true  and 
tender  love ;  though  I  knew  well  enough,  how  hard  it 
would  be  to  his  spirit,  in  his  present  state,  and  what  a  bit- 
ter enemy  he  might  become  to  me,  for  telling  him  the 
truth.  I  did  it  not  unadvisedly,  but  in  the  weight  of  my 
spirit  before  the  Lord  ;  and  I  heartily  wish,  that  he  were 
not  deceived  in  heart  concerning  his  own  state,  but  truly 
knew  it,  as  it  is. 

Thy  soul's  true  and  sincere-hearted  Friend,       I.  P. 

POSTSCRIPT. 

There  is  light,  which  enlightens  the  soul,  or  it  remains 
in  darkness  :  "  Ye  were  darkness,"  said  the  apostle,  "  but 
now  are  ye  light  in  the  Lord."  Now,  no  man  can  become 
light  in  the  Lord,  unless  his  nature  and  spirit  be  renewed, 
and  changed  out  of  darkness  into  light.  Now,  the  ques- 
tion is,  what  this  light  is,  and  where  is  it  to  be  met  with. 
Are  the  Scriptures,  then,  this  light?  or  do  they  testify  of 
this  light?  If  they  testify  of  this  light,  then,  the  light  is 
to  be  come  to,  and  the  soul  to  be  enlightened  by  it.  And, 
he  that  comes  to  this  light,  and  is  enlightened  by  it,  and 
walks  in  the  pure  shinings  thereof,  he  becomes  a  child  of 
light;  but,  he  that  is  not  enlightened  and  changed  by  it, 
is  yet  a  child  of  darkness,  notwithstanding  whatsoever  he 
learns,  professeth,  or  practiseth,  by  imitation  from  the 
Scriptures.  This  is  a  weighty  matter. 
8 


86 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PEXIXGTOif. 


O  come !  be  not  wedded  to  your  own  ways,  nor  preju- 
diced against  what  God  hath  taught  others ;  but  let 
things  be  lairly  scanned,  that  all  things  may  be  proved, 
and  that  which  is  good  held  fast ;  for,  Truth  will  not  lose 
ground  by  being  tried;  but,  darkness  is  afraid  of  the 
light,  because  it  has  a  secret  sense,  that  it  cannot  stand 
before  it.  I-  P- 

16th  of  Twelfth  Month,  1670. 


LETTER  XXIX. 

On  tlie  Life,  inward  Sense,  and  Power  of  tlie  Spirit ;  also  Respect- 
ing the  Scriptures,  and  the  Church,  &c. 

To  Nathaniel  Stonar. 

Dear  Friend, —  There  is  somewhat  on  ray  heart,  to 
express  to  thee,  in  love  and  great  good-will,  which  is  as 
followeth. 

Would  it  not  be  sad,  if  thou  should  perish  from  the 
Lord  forever  ?  If  thou  err  in  heart  from  the  living  way, 
it  may  be  so :  indeed,  if  thy  mind  be  not  turned  from 
darkness,  inward  darkness,  to  the  inward  light  of  God's 
Spirit,  it  cannot  be  otherwise.  Now,  if  thou  feel  the  in- 
ward light,  the  power  of  the  pure  light,  and  art  changed 
thereby,  thou  canst  not  speak  against  that  light. 

There  was  no  true  religion  in  the  apostles'  days,  without 
turning  to  the  inward  light,  and  to  that  the  true  ministry 
was  sent  to  turn  men ;  nor  is  there  any  true  religion  now, 
without  being  inwardly  turned  to,  and  walking  in  the 
same  light ;  nor  canst  thou  try  any  truth,  or  understand 
any  Scripture  aright,  but  in  the  light  of  God's  Spirit. 
No  man  can  understand  the  things  of  God,  but  the  Spirit 
of  God.  The  Scriptures  are  holy  words,  and  treat  of  the 
things  of  God,  which  no  man  can  understand,  but  in  a 


LETTERS   OF    ISAAC  PEXINGTON. 


87 


light  of  the  same  nivture  from  wliidi  they  came;  and, 
when  once  a  man  comes  to  the  true  understanding,  he  soon 
finds  that  the  understanding  whicli  he  liad  of  the  same 
before,  was  but  after  the  flesh,  even  short  of  tiie  uature  of 
the  true  understanding.  And,  Friend,  consider,  if  thy 
knowledge,  which  thou  hast  hitherto  had,  hath  changed, 
or  doth  change  the  nature  of  thy  understanding  and  will? 
or,  is  thy  old  understanding  and  will  yet  remaining,  not- 
withstanding all  thy  knowledge  and  practices  in  religion? 

0  do  not  dally  in  things  of  so  great  concernment,  lest 
thou  repent  too  late  !  for,  I  do  not  tell  thee  what  I  see 
concerning  thee,  in  the  light  of  God's  eternal  Spirit;  but, 

1  would  fain  have  thine  own  eye,  or  rather  the  right  eye 
in  thee,  opened  and  brought  to  see. 

And,  consider  one  Scripture  seriously  concerning  the 
church  of  Laodicea  :  had  it  not  the  true  knowledge  out- 
wardly, and  a  true  church  state,  and  right  ordinances? 
Did  it  not  believe  in  Christ,  and  look  up  to  him  for 
justification,  &c.  Nay,  what  did  it  want,  as  to  the  out- 
wardness of  its  state?  But,  it  wanted  sense,  life,  warmth, 
inwardly.  So  that,  if  ye  had  all  ordinances  and  truths 
of  the  gospel  light  outwardly;  yet,  if  ye  wanted  the  in- 
ward power,  ye  could  not  but  want  the  tried  gold,  the 
ivhUe  raiment,  and  eije-fsalve :  and  so,  though  ye  might 
think  yourselves  rich,  &c.  yet,  the  shame  of  your  nakedness 
would  appear;  yea,  indeed,  the  nakedness  of  such  as  are 
not  clothed  with  God's  Spirit,  doth  appear  to  the  Lord, 
and  to  the  eyes  and  spirits  of  his  children,  which  he 
openeth  in  his  own  light,  and  who  see  with  this  eye;  —  I 
say,  the  shame  of  their  nakedness  doth  appear,  notwith- 
standing all  the  religious  covers  they  can  put  upon  them- 
selves. O  that  thou  hadst  desires,  living  desires,  after  the 
nature  of  Truth !  and  wert  acquainted  with  the  new 
nature,  which  can  be  satisfied  with  nothing  but  the  virtue, 
life,  and  power  of  Truth. 


88 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


Come,  Friend,  wait  on  tlie  Lord,  to  liave  the  old  nature, 
tlieoldspirit, mind,  wisdom,  understanding  and  will,  broken, 
—  the  old  garment  torn  to  pieces;  that  thou  mayest  come 
to  ex])ei'ience  that  which  is  new,  pure,  and  living ;  and 
find  the  new  vessel  filled  with  that  which  is  new;  and 
know  the  virgin  state  of  spirit,  and  the  savour  of  the  true 
ointment.  For,  life  savours  life,  and  death  savours  death, 
and  living  words  are  but  the  savour  of  death,  to  them  that 
are  out  of  the  life ;  and,  the  living  Stone,  which  is  the 
foundation  of  life  to  us,  and  very  precious,  is  but  a  stone 
of  stumbling,  and  rock  of  ofi'ence,  to  them  that  are  out  of 
the  life ;  and  who  judge  of  things  by  their  apprehensions 
of  the  letter,  without  the  spirit  of  life  and  power.  As  the 
Scribes  and  Pharisees  formerly  did,  and  so  condemned 
Christ  in  his  appearance  in  the  fle;-h  ;  those  who  judge 
after  that  manner  now,  cannot  but  condemn  his  spiritual 
appearance  in  the  hearts  of  liis  children.  The  letter 
killeth,  the  Spirit  gives  life.  If  thou  wilt  have  life,  thou 
must  come  to  that  which  gives  life.  If  thou  wilt  come 
into  the  ministration  of  the  new  testament,  thou  must 
come  into  the  Spirit  and  power ;  and  know  the  letter  of 
the  Scriptures,  in  the  spirit  and  power  which  wrote  them, 
if  ever  thou  know  them  aright.  Yea,  if  thou  wilt  become 
a  son  of  God,  thou  must  receive  power  from  Christ  so  to 
do ;  and,  if  thou  wilt  believe  aright,  thou  must  feel  faith 
wrought  in  thy  heart,  by  that  very  power,  which  raised 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  from  the  dead ;  all  other  faith  falls 
short  of  the  nature  of  true  faith. 

If  thou  receive  from  the  Lord  the  true  sense  of  these 
thiugs,  thou  wilt  bless  his  name,  for  engaging  my  heart  to 
write  them  to  thee ;  but,  if  thou  read  them,  out  of  that 
Avhich  gives  the  true  understanding,  they  cannot  be  of 
advantage  to  thee.  But,  whatever  entertainment  they 
have  with  thee,  yet,  my  judgment  is  with  the  Lord,  and 
my  work  and  ];ibour  of  love  with  my  God,  who  is  my 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


89 


strength  and  joy ;  in  whom  my  soul  rests  in  peace,  in  tl^e 
bosom  of  my  Beloved.  And,  O !  that  thou  also  mightest 
feel  quickenings  of  life  and  true  leadings ;  and  thus  be 
acquainted  with  that  faithful  travel,  which  leads  thither. 

Thy  Friend,  in  the  heartiness  of  true  love,  so  far  as  the 
Lord  pleaseth  to  make  use  of  me  towards  thee,     I.  P. 

7th  of  the  Fourth  Month,  1C71. 

POSTSCRIPT. 

The  apostle  speaks  of  the  state  of  the  Gentiles,  before 
they  were  turned  from  darkness  to  light,  and  from  the 
power  of  Satan  to  God ;  that  their  understanding  was 
darkened,  being  alienated  from  the  life  of  God,  through 
the  ignorance  that  was  in  them,  because  of  the  hardness 
of  their  heart ;  not  that  that  which  might  be  known  of 
God,  was  not  manifest  in  them  ;  but  their  ignorance  was, 
because  of  their  hardness,  in  not  minding  it,  not  turning 
to  it,  and  so,  they  became  alienated  from  the  life,  and  their 
understanding  not  opened  by  it. 

Now,  in  this  state,  men  are  without  God,  without  Christ, 
strangers  to  the  covenant  of  promise,  and  without  any 
true  hope  of  salvation  ;  and  this  state,  they  are  as  really 
in,  who  get  a  form  of  godliness  without  the  power,  as  the 
very  natural  heathen.  For,  nothing  makes  a  true  Chris- 
tian, but  the  life  and  power :  and  he,  that  doth  not  hear 
the  voice  of  Christ's  Spirit  in  his  heart,  is  no  better  than 
a  heathen  and  a  publican.  Yea,  any  church,  built  up  out 
of  the  life  and  power,  (nay,  a  church,  though  built  by  the 
power,  yet,  if  not  preserved  in  the  same,)  is  not  better 
than  a  synagogue  of  Satan.  They  that  say,  they  are  Jews, 
but  are  not  so ;  ministers  of  Christ,  but  are  not,  and  do 
lie;  alas!  what  are  they?  O  how  precious  is  life!  how 
precious  is  the  power  of  God,  in  which  the  churches  of  old 
stood,  and  the  true  churches  at  this  day  stand  in  ! 
8* 


90 


LETTERS    OF    ISAAC  PEXINGTON". 


It  is  precious,  to  know  tlie  Spirit  of  the  living  God,  to 
be  begotten  by  hira  in  the  life,  which  is  true  and  pure,  to 
be  separated  from  death  and  the  power  thereof,  and  to  be 
married  to  life  and  the  power  thereof,  ^ — -to  be  married  to 
the  conquering  Lamb,  who  triumphed  over  sin  and  death 
in  his  body  of  flesh,  and,  by  his  Spirit  and  power,  delivers 
his  spouse  fi"om  the  strength  and  dominion  of  them.  And, 
it  is  precious,  to  walk  with  the  Lamb,  and  to  follow  the 
Lamb  whithersoever  he  goes;  who  alwaj's  leads  out  of  sin 
and  unrighteousness,  into  ways  of  purity  and  righteous- 
ness, into  the  path  which  is  prepared  for  the  ransomed, 
where  there  is  no  danger  of  erring,  —  no,  not  so  much  as 
to  the  wayfaring  ones,  though  fools,  Isai.  xxxv.  8. 

Oh  !  is  it  uot  precious,  experimentally  to  read  that 
Scripture,  and  to  be  able  in  true  understanding  to  say, 
The  way  of  life  is  easy,  the  yoke  easy,  the  burden  easy, 
the  conimandincnt  not  grievous  ;  that  being  brought  down, 
and  subdued  in  me,  yea,  removed  and  cast  out,  to  which 
it  was  hard.  Alas!  men  building  in  the  flesh,  and  after 
their  carnal  apprehensions  of  things,  —  how  loathsome  is 
it!  but,  God's  building,  raised  iu  the  light  and  life  of  liis 
pure  Spirit,  how  glorious,  how  beautiful,  how  lovely  is  it, 
even  in  the  eye  of  God  himself!  "Thou  art  all  fair,  my 
love,  there  is  no  spot  iu  thee."  Sol.  Song,  iv.  7. — Into  thy 
holy  building,  O  God !  into  thy  heavenly  building,  into 
the  spiritual  Jerusalem,  which  thou  rearest  and  buildest 
up  iu  the  Spirit,  no  unclean  or  defiled  thing  can  enter ;  nor 
is  there  any  room  there,  for  that  which  loves  and  makes  a 
lie ! — Without,  indeed,  are  swine  and  dogs,  vulturous  eyes 
and  crooked  serpents,  who  make  a  show  of  what  they  are 
not,  and  lay  claim  to  that  which  belongs  uot  to  them  ;  but, 
within,  are  the  children,  within  is  the  heavenly  birth,  even 
the  new  creation  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus.  For,  God  doth 
not  strip  his  people  naked,  and  gather  them  out  of  the 
spirit  of  this  world,  that  they  should  be  empty  and  deso- 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


91 


late  forever;  but,  he  gathers  thoni  into,  and  fills  them  with 
his  own  Spirit,  fills  them  with  light,  fills  them  with  life, 
fills  them  with  holiness,  fills  them  with  righteousness,  fills 
them  witii  peace  and  jo}'',  in  believing  and  obeying  the 
gospel!  And,  in  this  Spirit,  is  the  kingdom  known,  which 
is  not  of  this  world,  —  the  inward  kingdom,  the  spiritual 
kingdom,  the  everlasting  kingdom  !  —  w'here  the  everlast- 
ing throne  is  near,  and  the  everlasting  power  revealed  ! 
and  the  Lord  God  Omnipotent  reigns  in  the  hearts  of  his  ! 
and  other  lords  do  not  reign,  but  their  horns  are  broken 
—  and  the  horn  of  God's  Anointed  exalted,  who  sits  ruling 
as  King  on  his  holy  hill  of  Zion  !  —  and  they  that  have 
suffered  with  him,  and  gone  through  great  tribulation,  do 
reign  with  him  ;  blessed  be  his  name  forever!  I.  P. 
10th  of  Fourth  Month. 


LETTER  XXX. 

Of  Truth  in  the  Inward  Parts. 
To  Widow  HEjrjiiNGS. 

Dear  Friend,  —  I  think  it  long  since  I  heard  from 
thee.  I  i-emember  the  sweet  and  precious  savour  that 
■was  upon  thy  spirit,  the  last  time  I  was  with  thee,  with 
my  dear  Friend,  J.  C.  It  hath  been  my  hoj)e  and  desire, 
that  the  Lord  might  preserve  thee  therein. 

The  Truth  in  the  inward  parts,  is  of  God  ;  that  is  the 
thing  which  all  are  to  mind  ;  and  in  which,  accei)tance 
with  God  is  witnessed.  Out  of  the  Truth  in  the  inward 
parts,  there  is  no  acceptance  with  God,  let  men  profess 
what  they  will  or  can.  In  the  Truth,  there  is  always  ac- 
ceptance ;  for  God  never  disowned  it,  nor  any  that  are  in 
it.    Here,  the  flesh  and  blood,  which  give  life,  are  fed  on  ; 


92 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENIN«TON. 


here,  the  bread  which  comes  down  from  heavcu,  and  tlie 
water  of  life,  are  known  ;  but,  out  of  this,  they  are  not, 
nor  can  they  be  known. 

0  my  Friend!  that  thou  mightest  feel  more  and  more 
the  Truth  in  the  inward  parts,  and  be  more  and  more 
established  therein.  "What  is  the  feeding  outward,  or 
supper  outward  ?  It  is  but  a  shadow.  The  feeding  in- 
ward, or  the  supper  inward,  is  the  substance.  And,  as 
the  day  dawns,  and  the  day-star  arises  in  thy  heart,  tlie 
shadows  will  flee  away,  and  the  substance  be  discovered, 
owned,  and  delighted  in  by  thee.  The  shadows  reach  but 
to  the  outward  part,  but  the  ministration  of  life,  the  minis- 
tration of  the  substance,  reaches  to  the  seed :  and,  thou 
must  be  more  and  more  transplanted  into  the  seed,  that 
Christ  may  be  formed  in  thee,  and  thou  formed  in  him ; 
and  so  grow  up  into  his  heavenly  nature  and  image, —  out 
of  the  earthly,  out  of  the  natural.  Oh!  the  Lord  God 
prosper  his  own  seed  and  holy  plantation  in  thy  heart ; 
and  keep  thee  in  the  meek,  lowly,  humble,  poor,  and  tender 
spirit,  unto  which  is  his  mercy  aud  blessing. 

1  expected  to  Have  heard  from  thee,  or  at  least  from  thy 
daughter  S.,  before  this  time,  supposing  I  had  a  promise 
thereof  from  her.  The  Lord  uphold,  preserve,  and  bless 
her.  Let  her  not  look  out,  but  only  look  within,  what  the 
will  of  the  Lord  is ;  and  mind  nothing  else ;  and  it  will 
be  well  with  her. 

My  dear  love  is  both  to  thee  and  her,  who  am  thy  sin- 
cere Friend,  I.  P. 
4th  of  Ninth  Month,  1C73. 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


93 


LETTEE  XXXL 

Deliverance  from  Spiritual  Enemies  by  Clirist,  &c. ;  also  of 
Offences. 

Dear  Friend,  —  For,  ia  those  true  desires,  which  I 
observe  iu  thy  heart  towards  the  Lord,  thou  art,  and  canst 
not  but  be  dear  unto  me  —  I  had  a  desire  to  have  stayed 
a  little  while  with  thee,  the  last  time  I  passed  through 
Uxbridge,  but  was  prevented. 

The  occasion  of  my  writing  to  thee,  was,  somewhat 
which  was  on  my  heart  towards  thee. 

Wouldst  thou  know  the  Lord  in  the  gospel  covenant, 
and  wouldst  thou  walk  with  him  therein '?  I  know  thou 
wouldst.  Wouldst  thou  have  sin  destroyed  in  thee,  and 
Christ  reign  in  thy  heart  ?  Wouldst  thou  so  fight  against 
thy  enemies,  as  to  overcome,  and  so  run  the  race,  as 
certainly  to  obtain  the  everlasting  prize,  and  eternal 
weight  of  glory  ?  O !  then,  mind  Truth  in  the  inward 
parts,  even  the  grace  and  truth,  which  are  by  Jesus. 
Christ ;  to  whom  God  hath  given  power,  and  who  gives 
power  to  his,  by  the  grace  of  his  Holy  Spirit,  over  sin  and 
corruption  in  the  inward  parts.  Did  not  God  conquer  the 
enemies  of  the  outward  Jews  iu  Egypt,  iu  the  wilderness, 
and  in  the  good  land  also  ?  And  shall  he  not  do  so  in- 
wardly, for  the  inward  Jews?  There  are  enemies  in 
Egypt ;  in  the  land  that  is,  as  I  may  say,  wholly  dark, 
and  under  the  oppression  of  spiritual  Pharaoh.  There 
are  enemies  in  that  heart,  which  is  as  a  wilderness  and 
solitary  place ;  and  there  are  enemies  in  that  heart,  Avhich 
is  in  some  measure  renewed,  and  made  good  and  honest. 
Now,  ail  the  spiritual  enemies,  all  the  enemies  of  a  man's 
own  house,  are  to  be  destroyed  by  the  power  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  working  by  his  grace  in  the  heart ;  which, 


94 


LETTERS    OF    ISAAC  PENINGTOK. 


being  received,  subjected  to,  dwelt  in,  and  obeyed,  briugs 
deliverance  and  salvation  from  thera  all.  And,  when  sal- 
vation is  brought  home  to  the  heart,  and  wrought  out 
there  by  the  Lord,  it  is  to  be  enjoyed  and  abode  in,  and 
the  soul  is  not  to  return  back  again  into  captivity  ;  but, 
being  delivered  out  of  the  hands  of  its  inward  and  spirit- 
ual enemies,  by  the  holy,  inward,  and  spiritual  covenant, 
is  to  serve  God  in  the  dominion  of  his  Son's  life,  in  holi- 
ness and  righteousness  all  its  days  hei'e  upon  the  earth. 

O  my  Friend !  mind  this  precious  Truth  inwardly,  this 
precious  grace  iuwai'dly,  the  precious  life  inwardly,  the 
precious  light  inwardly,  the  precious  power  inwardly,  the 
inward  wprd  of  life,  the  inward  voice  of  the  Shepherd  in 
the  heart,  the  inward  seed,  the  inward  salt,  the  inward 
leaven,  the  inward  pearl,  &c.  whereby  Christ  effects  this. 
Distinguish  between  words  ivithout  concerning  the  thing, 
and  the  thing  itself  ;  and  wait  and  labour,  then,  to 

know,  understand,  and  be  guided  by,  the  motives,  lead- 
ings, drawings,  teachings,  quickeuings,  &c.  of  the  thing  it- 
self within.  And,  take  heed  of  being  oSended,  because  of 
any  thing,  either  within  or  without ;  for,  offences  will 
come,  but  blessed  was  he,  that  was  not  offended  at  Christ 
outwardly  in  the  days  of  his  flesh  ;  and  blessed  is  he,  that 
is  not  offended  at  his  inward  Truth,  and  inward  way  of 
appearance  in  the  day  of  his  Spirit.  Moses,  that  precious 
servant  of  the  Lord,  spake  unadvisedly  with  his  lips ;  how 
easy  is  it,  then,  for  those,  who  come  not  near  Moses'  state, 
so  to  do ;  but,  wait  on  God,  that  thou  mayest  distinguish 
between  what  Truth  speaks  in  any  of  us,  and  what  any 
of  us  may  unadvisedly  speak,  out  of  the  Truth, —  if  we 
stand  not  upon  the  watch,  and  our  words  be  not  seasoned 
with  God's  light  and  his  grace.  For,  praying  to  God,  as 
God's  Spirit  leads  and  gives  ability,  and  watching  unto 
prayer,  and  seeking  opportunities  both  alone  and  in  our 
families,  that  God  may  open  our  hearts,  and  breathe  upon 


LETTERS   OF    ISAAC   P  E  N  I  N  G  T  O  N  . 


95 


UP,  and  for  frequent  and  diligent  reading  of  the  Holy 
Scriptures, —  none  can  testify  from  the  Truth  against  these 
things;  though,  against  men's  dead  and  formal  perform- 
ing of  these  things,  there  is  a  living  testimony.  Now,  take 
lieed  of  mistaking  the  testimony  in  any ;  or  of  being 
stumbled,  if  any  go  beyond  their  due  bounds  in  their  tes- 
timony. 

O  my  Friend !  how  precious  is  the  thing,*  beyond  all 
words  or  testimonies!  O  that  thou  mayest  come  to  know 
ihaf  in  thyself,  and  to  be  sensible  of  God's  ministering  by 
it  to  thee,  and  increasing  it  in  thee!  that  thou  mayest  ex- 
perimentally feel  the  seed  in  thee,  and  find  it  grow  more 
and  more,  till  it  come  to  be  a  tree ;  and  then,  sit  under  its 
shadow,  and  be  delighted  with  its  defence,  and  partake  of 
its  sap  and  fruit.  O  that,  every  day,  thou  mightest  have  a 
sense  of  the  life  itself,  the  Truth  itself,  the  power  itself, 
the  wisdom  itself,  tlie  righteousness  itself!  and,  that  thou 
mightest  find  the  Lord  Josus  Christ  both  unclothing  and 
clothing  thee,  inwardly,  sensibly,  and  experimentally;  — 
that  thou  mightest  find  him  taking  away  thy  sin,  thy 
iniquities,  thy  unrighteousness,  both  within  and  without 
also,  and  filling  thee,  and  clothing  thee  with  his  righteous- 
ness ;  —  that  so  in  God's  sight,  and  hy  his  putting  on  thee, 
and  forming  ift  thee,  thou  mightest  find  thy  heart  filled  and 
covered  with  the  nature,  image  and  Spirit  of  his  dear  Son  ; 
—  that  thou  mightest,  indeed,  put  off  the  old  man  with 
his  nature  and  deeds,  and  put  on  the  new  man,  and  know 
the  renewing  and  new  creating  in  Christ  Jesus,  in  tlie 
spirit  of  thy  mind;  —  and  so,  have  a  certain  understanding 
of  the  Truth,  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  and  as  he  manifests  it,  gives 
power  to  it,  and  causes  it  to  work  in  thy  heart.  This  is 
the  desire  of  my  soul  for  thee :  the  Lord  guide  thee  to  it, 
and  remove  all  lets  and  hindrances  out  of  thy  way. 

My  dear  and  true  love  is  to  thy  husband.  The  Lord 
manifest  his  pure,  and  living  Truth  in  both  your  hearts, 


96 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


and  gather  both  your  minds  thei-eunto,  and  make  you  one 
therein. 

Thy  Friend  in  Truth,  who  heartily  wisheth  well  to  thy 
soul,  I.  p. 

Grove  Place, 
17th  of  Ninth  Montli,  1673, 

•  

LETTEK  XXXII. 
Encouragement  to  Faithfulness  under  Apprehension  of  Sufferings, 
To  Widow  Hemmings, 

My  dear  Friend, —  I  have  not  forgotten  thee :  but 
have  often  inquired  after  thee,  and  many  times  breathed 
for  thee, 

O  my  Friend  look  not  out  at  what  stands  in  the  way ; 
what  if  it  look  dreadfully  as  a  lion,  is  not  the  Lord 
stronger  than  the  mountains  of  prey  ?  but  look  in,  where 
the  law  of  life  is  written,  and  the  will  of  the  Lord  revealed, 
that  thou  mayest  know  what  is  the  Lord's  will  concerning 
thee ;  and  then  show  thyself  a  faithful  daughter  of 
Abraham,  and  be  like  Sarah,  not  terrified  with  any 
amazement.  So  soon  as  I  had  read  thy  letter,  this  arose 
in  ray  heart  to  thee,  as  God's  counsel,  proper  to  thy  state. 
Have  no  fellowship  with  the  unfruitful  works  of  dark- 
ness, but  rather  reprove  them.  Be  not  straitened  in  thy 
spirit,  as  fearing  what  thou  shalt  suffer  for  Christ's  sake  ; 
or,  as  if  God  would  not  stand  by  thee,  or  carry  thee 
through.  Be  thy  sufferings  as  great  as  possible,  yet  he  is 
foithful,  who  hath  promised  thee  an  hundred-fold  in  this 
life. 

O  !  what  can  hurt  thee,  if  thy  God  stand  by  thee  ?  Be 
faithful  to  his  testimony  iu  thy  place,  and  he  will  stand  by 


LETTERS   OP  ISAAC 


PENINGTON. 


97 


tliee.  Take  lieed  of  joining  with  dead  worsliips,  wliich  the 
seed  of  God  in  thee  disowns,  and  cannot  relish  ;  but  meek- 
ly and  in  fear,  testify  against,  and  abstain  from,  what  thou 
feelest  not  to  be  of  the  Lord. 

This  wa's  what  was  in  my  heart  to  thee  at  present  in 
true  and  tender  love,  and  in  melting  desires  for  thee,  that 
the  Lord  may  guide  and  preserve  thee,  and  give  thee  of 
the  Lamb's  courage  and  strength,  who  by  meekness  and 
sufferings  is  now  to  conquer.  What  if  the  wicked  nature, 
which  is  as  a  sea  casting  out  mire  and  dirt,  rage  against 
thee  ?  There  is  a  river,  a  sweet,  still,  flowing  river,  the 
streams  whereof  will  make  glad  thy  heart.  And,  learu 
but  in  quietness  and  stillness  to  retire  to  the  Lord,  and 
wait  upon  him ;  in  whom  thou  shalt  feel  peace  and  joy,  in 
the  midst  of  thy  trouble  from  the  cruel  and  vexatious 
spirit  of  this  world.  So,  wait  to  know  thy  work  and 
service  to  the  Lord  every  day,  in  thy  place  and  station ; 
and  the  Lord  make  thee  faithful  therein,  and  thou  wilt 
want  neither  help,  support,  nor  comfort. 

Thy  Friend,  in  the  truest,  sincerest,  and  most  constant 
love,  I.  P. 

London, 
1st  of  Ninth  Month,  1675. 


LETTER  XXXIIL 
Exhortation  Belative  to  the  Christian  Life  and  Travel. 

To  DULCIBELLA  LAITON. 

Dear  Friend,  —  Concerning  whom  I  feel  a  travail, — 
this  is  the  sense  of  ray  heart  in  relation  to  thee. 

There  is  a  pure  seed  of  life,  which  God  hath  sown  in 
thee;  O  that  it  might  come  through,  and  come  over  all 
9  G 


98 


LETTERS   OF    ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


that  is  above  it,  and  contrary  to  it !  And  for  that  end  wait 
daily  to  feel  it,  and  to  feel  thy  mind  subdued  by  it,  and 
joined  to  it.  Take  heed  of  looking  out,  in  the  reasonings 
of  thy  mind,  but  dwell  in  the  feeling  sense  of  life ;  and 
then,  that  will  arise  in  thee  more  and  more,  which  niaketh 
truly  wise,  and  gives  power,  and  brings  into  the  holy 
authority  and  dominion  of  life.  Many  that  have  been 
long  travelling,  are  now  entering  into  their  possessions  and 
inheritance,  which  the  Lord  is  daily  enlarging  in  them, 
and  to  them.  O  that  thy  lot  may  be  among  them,  inwardly 
witnessed  and  possessed  by  thee  !  Prize  inward  exercises, 
griefs,  and  troubles  ;  and  let  faith  and  patience  have  their 
perfect  work  in  them.  O  desire  to  be  good,  upright,  and 
perfect  in  God's  sight !  and  wait  to  feel  the  life,  the  Sjjirit, 
and  power,  which  -makes  so.  Come  out  of  the  knowledge 
and  comprehension  about  things,  into  the  feeling  life ;  and 
let  that  be  thy  knowledge  and  wisdom,  which  thou  receiv- 
est  and  retaincst  in  the  feeling  life ;  and  that  will  lead 
thee  into  the  footsteps  of  the  flock,  without  reasoning, 
consulting,  or  disputing. 

O  !  wait  to  be  taught  and  enabled  by  God  to  fetch  right 
steps  in  thy  travels ;  and  to  take  up  the  cross  and  despise 
the  shame  in  everything,  wherein  that  wisdom,  will,  and 
mind,  which  is  to  be  crucified,  would  be  judge  ;  for,  it  will 
judge  amiss,  and  lead  aside,  if  it  l)e  hearkened  to  by  thee. 
The  Lord  show  thee  the  snares  and  dangers  to  which  tliou 
art  liable,  and  lead  thee  out  of  them  ;  that  whatever  hin- 
dereth  may  be  discovered  to  thee,  and  thy  mind  singly 
joined  to  that  which  discovereth,  that  so  it  may  be  re- 
moved out  of  the  way ;  and  all  crooked  things  be  made 
straight  in  thee,  and  the  rough  plain,  and  the  high  low, 
and  the  low  high,  and  the  v.-or.k  and  foolish  strong  and 
wise,  and  the  wise  and  strong  weak  and  foolish.  O!  wait 
to  feel  and  understand  my  words,  that  thy  conversation 
may  be  ordered  aright  by  the  power  and  wisdom  of  God ; 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


99 


and  that  thou  mayest  inwardly  come  to  witness  the  glorious 
coming  of  Him,  who  is  the  salvation  of  God,  and  in  whom 
thou  shalt  not  fail  to  see  the  salvation  of  God. 

Thou  must  be  very  low,  weak,  and  foolish,  that  the  seed 
may  arise  in  thee  to  exalt  thee,  and  become  thy  strength 
and  wisdom ;  and  thou  must  die  exceedingly,  again  and 
again,  more  and  more,  inwardly  and  deeply  !  that  thy  life 
may  spring  up  from  the  holy  root  and  stock  ;  and  thou 
mayest  be  more  and  more  gathered  into  it,  spring  up  into 
it,  and  live  alone  in  the  life,  virtue,  and  power  thereof. 
The  travel  is  long,  the  exercises  many,  the  snares,  tempta- 
tions, and  dangers  many ;  and  yet  the  mercy,  relief,  and 
help,  is  great  also. 

O!  that  thou  mayest  feel  thy  calling  and  election,  thy 
sinking  down,  springing  up,  and  establishment,  in  the  pure 
seed,  in  the  light  and  righteousness  thereof  over  all ;  that 
tViou  mayest  sing  songs  of  degrees  to  the  Redeemer  of  Israel, 
and  mayest  daily  more  and  more  partake  of  and  rejoice  in 
him,  who  is  our  joy,  and  the  crown  thereof. 

Thy  Friend,  in  the  most  sincere,  tender  love,     I.  P. 

11th  of  Filth  Month,  1677. 


LETTER  XXXIV. 

On  Decay  of  "First  Love,"  and  a  Hardened  State  throiigli  the 
Deceitfiihiess  of  Sin. 

To  George  Winkfield. 

Deak  Friend, — Two  things  stick  upon  my  heart,  since 
our  last  short  discourse  at  the  window  at  King's,  through 
my  desire  that  it  may  go  well  with  thee,  and  that  thou 
mayest  be  right  in  God's  sight. 

One  is,  that  saying  of  thine  about  thy  love  to  Truth 


100      LETTERS    OF   ISAAC  PENINGTOK. 


and  Friends,  as  if  it  were  as  great  as  ever  it  was.  Now,  I 
entreat  thee  to  weigh  this  tiling,  and  to  wait  on  God  to 
know,  whether  it  be  really  so  or  no ;  which  thou  mayest 
understand  by  this :  if  thou  be  as  really  desirous,  and  wait- 
est,  as  singly,  to  know  and  obey  the  commands  of  truth  as 
ever,  then,  thy  love  to  it  is  as  great  as  formerly  in  its  first 
heat  and  zeal ;  otherwise,  not.  "  He  that  hath  my  com- 
mandments and  keepeth  them,"- saith  Christ,  "he  it  is  that 
loveth  me."  John,  xiv.  21.  And  hereby,  we  know  that 
our  knowledge  of  him  is  true  and  living ;  because  it  leads, 
quickens,  and  enables  us  to  the  keeping  of  his  command- 
ments.   1  John,  ii.  3. 

The  other  is,  that  thou  saidst,  thy  heart  is  not  hardened. 
O  !  consider  this  seriously ;  for,  if  thy  heart  be  hardened, 
and  thou  not  sensible  of  it,  thy  estate  is  exceeding  dan- 
gerous. Now,  if  the  Lord  by  his  power  hath  preserved 
thee  out  of  that  which  hardens  the  heart ;  then,  without 
doubt,  thy  heart  is  not  hardened  :  but,  if  the  enemy  hath 
tempted  thee  to  let  in  reasonings  into  thy  mind,  against 
anything  that  is  indeed  of  God  ;  and  thou  hast  run  into 
any  practices  contrary  to  Truth,  and  justifiest  them  in  thy 
heart,  from  any  reasonings  and  thoughts  the  enemy  hath 
suggested  to  and  strengthened  thy  mind  in  ;  then,  without 
doubt,  thy  heart  is  so  far  hardened.  It  is  impossible  for 
thee,  or  any  one  else,  to  let  in  that  which  hardens,  and  not 
be  hardened. 

O !  mind  that  precious  advice  of  the  Apostle,  Heb.  iii. 
13.  Mark,  sin  deceives,  lust  deceives,  desire  after  any- 
thing that  pleaseth  the  flesh,  and  is  desirable  to  the  worldly 
nature,  deceives.  And,  whoever  is  deceived  by  it,  and  lets 
it  in,  (mind,  he  doth  not  let  it  in  as  an  evil  thing,  but  is 
deceived  by  it,)  his  heart  is  hardened  against  that,  which 
would  show  him  the  evil  of  it,  and  draw  his  mind  from 
it,  if  he  did  in  truth  hearken  to  it,  and  were  not  lulled 
asleep  in  the  deceit.  And,  there  must  be  a  daily  watching 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  101 


against  that  which  deceives  and  hardens,  as  the  apostle 
there  adviseth  them  to  exhort  one  another  unto,  lest  the 
enemy  at  any  time  catch  any  of  them  in  the  snare  of  sin, 
and  so  harden  them. 

Now,  he  that  would  not  provoke  the  Lord  to  give  him 
up  to  full  hardness,  must  take  heed  of  the  degrees  thereof ; 
and  happy  is  he  who  so  doth.  O,  G.  W. !  consider,  as  be- 
fore the  Lord,  whether  thy  walking  be  answerable  to  truth, 
so  far  as  thou  knowest  truth  ;  and  whether  thou  art  will- 
ingly ignorant  of  anything,  which  the  good  God  is  willing 
and  ready  to  give  thee  the  knowledge  of,  that  thou  mayest 
take  more  liberty  to  the  flesh  in  that,  which  the  life  of 
Truth,  if  felt,  would  soon  condemn  and  draw  from. 

This  is  in  most  sincere  love  to  thee,  from  him  who  hath 
always  been  thy  Friend.  I.  P. 

11th  of  Twelfth  Month,  1677. 


LETTER  XXXV. 

Propositions  Relating  to  the  Trutli  and  Substance  of  Religion. 
To  Sir  William  Drake  (so  styled). 

First.  'There  is  a  God,  a  holy,  righteous,  living,  power- 
ful God,  who  made  heaven  and  earth, and  all  things  therein; 
and,  at  last,  made  man  in  his  own  image,  and  set  him  over 
the  works  of  his  hands,  to  have  dominion,  and  to  rule  in 
his  wisdom  and  power  over  them  ;  and  to  guide,  order,  and 
make  use  of  them,  to  the  glory  of  Him  that  made  them. 
Now,  in  this  state,  God  was  pleased  and  took  delight  in 
the  works  of  his  hands,  and  in  man  above  all. 

Secondly.  Man,  sinning  against  his  Maker,  lost  this  im- 
age, which  was  his  glory,  and  became  brutish  in  uuder- 
9* 


102 


LETTERS  OF 


ISAAC  PENIJSTGTON. 


standing,  and  an  enemy  to  God  in  his  miud,  and  liable  to 
the  wrath  of  God's  holy  and  righteous  nature. 

Thirdly.  There  is  no  reconciliation  to  be  had  between 
God  and  man  any  more,  but  by  the  change  of  this  nature 
in  man :  for,  God  is  unchangeable,  he  is  light,  he  is  life, 
he  is  holiness  unchangeable ;  and  will  never  be  recon- 
ciled to,  or  have  fellowship  with  darkness,  with  that 
which  is  dead  and  unholy, — which  man  in  his  fallen  estate 
is,  until  he  be  begotten  again  to  God,  changed  and  renewed 
from  his  evil  and  sinful  nature,  into  a  good  and  holy 
nature,  and  till  he  be  turned  from  evil  works,  and  know 
what  it  is  to  be  the  workmanshij)  of  God,  created  anew  unto 
good  works. 

Fourthly.  Nothing  can  produce  this  change  in  man,  but 
the  spirit  and  power  of  Christ,  but  the  grace,  and  truth 
which  is  by  Jesus  Christ.  Therefore,  a  man  had  need  be 
sure  that  he  receive  this  Spirit  and  power,  and  that  he  feel 
the  operative,  changing  virtue  of  it,  and  be  really  changed 
thereby,  being  created  anew,  begotten  anew  to  God,  in  the 
holiness  and  righteousness  of  Truth,  a  son  and  servant  to 
the  living  God  ;  —  or  he  can  never  know  what  belongs  to 
true  reconciliation  with  God,  and  to  fellowship  with  Him 
in  the  light  and  life  of  his  Son.  .  * 

Fifthly.  All  the  religions  and  professions  upon  the  face 
of  the  earth,  which  fall  short  of  this  Spirit,  life,  and  power, 
and  wherein  this  new  creation  in  Christ  Jesus  is  not  wit- 
nessed, nor  power  received  to  abstain  from  what  is  evil, 
and  become  sons  to  God,  —  are  not  the  pure,  powerful, 
gospel  religion,  wherein  the  divine  virtue  and  power  of  life 
operates  ;  but,  that  which  men  in  the  earthly  wisdom  have 
formed  without  life.  And,  all  religions  that  have  but  a 
form  of  godliness,  and  not  the  power,  are  to  be  turned 
away  from,  and  witnessed  against,  by  such  as  are  called 
forth  to  be  witnesses  to  the  true,  gospel  religion  and  way 
of  worship,  which  stands  in  Spirit,  life,  and  power. 


I.ETTEIIS   OF   ISAAC    PKNINGTON.  103 


Sixthly.  This  religion  and  worship,  which  stands  in 
Si)irit,  life,  and  power,  is  the  religion  and  worship,  which 
Christ  .«et  up  about  sixteen  hundred  years  ago.  John  iv. 
2;^,  24.  1  Cor.  iv.  20.  Eoni.  vi.  4.  And,  this  is  the  religion 
which  God  hath  revived  and  set  up  again,  as  they  that 
receive  the  gospel  now  preach  it;  and,  believing  in  the 
IX)wer,  which  is  both  outwardl)'^  testified  of,  and  also  in- 
wardly revealed,  they  have  the  witness  of  it  in  their  own 
hearts.  Rev.  xiv.  6,  7.  1  John,  v.  10,  11,  12.  Isai.  liii.  1. 
O  how  sweet  are  these  Scriptures,  when  they  are  rightly 
read  and  rightly  understood,  the  Lord  giving  the  right  un- 
derstanding, and  leading  into  the  true  experience  of  them  ! 

Friend, — Thou  expressed  to  one  of  my  youngest  sons, 
as  he  related  to  me,  that  thou  hadst  a  desire  I  should 
visit  thee,  that  thou  mightst  have  some  discourse  with  me 
about  religion.  That  is  the  most  profitable  kind  of  dis- 
course that  can  be,  if  it  be  ordered  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord, 
and  in  a  weighty  sense  and  dread  of  him.  I  am  very 
serious  in  reference  to  religion,  and  would  not  therein  mis- 
take or  miscarry,  by  any  means ;  and,  if  I  might  be  help- 
ful to  thee,  or  to  any  man,  as  to  the  truth  and  power  of 
religion,  it  would  be  matter  of  gladness  to  my  heart,  and 
of  praising  and  blessing  the  Lord,  in  the  sense  of  his 
stretching  forth  his  hand  towards  the  saving  of  any.  Now, 
that  our  meeting  and  discourse  may  be  the  more  solemn 
and  advantageous,  I  have  sent  thee  a  few  plain  proposi- 
tions to  consider  of;  which  I  do  not  only  find  signified  of 
in  the  Scriptures,  but  the  Lord  hath  also  written  them  on 
my  heart ;  and,  if  they  be  plain  to  thee,  and  thou  be  also 
in  the  serious  sense  of  them,  it  may  tend  towards  the 
making  of  our  discourse  the  more  easy  and  profitable. 

These  are  the  main  things;  and  he  that  is  rightly 
grounded,  I  mean,  in  the  true  and  sensible  experience  of 
them  in  his  heart,  cannot  miss  of  God's  guidance  to  make 


104      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


a  safe  and  happy  progress  therein  ;  he  daily  Avaiting  upon 
the  Lord,  to  be  taught  and  led  by  Him,  further  and  further, 
into  the  life,  Spirit,  and  power  of  Truth  ;  so  tliat,  he  shall 
be  taught  of  God  to  know  his  Son  Jesus,  and  the  freedom 
■which  is  by  the  Truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  daily  more  and 
more ;  which  it  is  my  soul's  sincere  and  single  desire,  that 
thou, thy Avife, and  family, maybe  experiencers  and  happy 
partakers  of. 

0  what  a  glorious  state  was  man  once  in,  befoi'e  his 
transgressing  the  holy  law  of  God !  but,  when  he  sinned, 
how  did  he  fall  short  of  the  glory  of  God !  Yet,  as  he 
hears  His  voice  and  follows  Him,  that  leads  out  of  sin  into 
the  image  of  God,  into  the  holiness  and  righteousness  of 
Truth ;  how  is  he  brought  back  by  the  Lord,  and  how 
doth  he  return,  in  the  blessed  leadings  of  God's  blessed 
Spirit,  into  the  glory  of  God  again !  Read  2  Cor.  iii.  18  ; 
and,  O  that  thou  mayest  liviugly  and  sensibly  know  what 
it  means ! 

1  remain  an  acknowledger  of  thy  kindness,  and  a  de- 
sirer  for  thee,  that  thou  mayest  obtain  from  God  the 
knowledge  of  himself  and  his  Son,  which  is  experienced, 
by  them  that  receive  it,  to  be,  indeed,  life  eternal. 

LP. 

This  was  written  in  true  love  and  good-will,  and  in  the 
fear  of  the  Lord,  and  in  the  spriugings  and  openings  of 
his  life  in  my  heart. 

19th  of  Fifth  Month,  1678. 


LETTEES  OF  ISAAC  PENINGTON.  105 


LETTER  XXXVL 

Concerning  the  Seed  of  tlie  Kingdom. 
To  S.  W. 

Dear  Friend,  —  I  ever  had  a  love  to  thee,  and  a  deep 
sense  of  the  serious  work  of  God  upon  thy  heart,  and  the 
upright  desires  of  thy  soul  after  Hira.  And,  that  the 
Lord  should  yet  preserve  thee  alive,  in  the  midst  of  so 
great  and  languishing  weakness,  is  wonderful  in  my  eye, 
and,  I  hope,  hath  a  tendency  of  some  hoilour  to  his  name, 
and  good  to  thee.  I  have  often  inquired  of  late  concern- 
ing thee,  and  was  glad  to  understand  what  I  inquired 
after,  by  a  letter  from  thy  own  hand ;  upon  reading 
whereof,  in  the  retired  sense  of  my  heart,  I  felt  love  arise 
to  thee,  und  breathings  to  the  Lord  for  thee ;  and,  O ! 
that  thou  mayest  fully  feel,  and  be  joined  to  the  seed  of 
life,  the  seed  of  the  kingdom,  which  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  in  the  days  of  his  flesh,  did  not  disdain  to  be  a 
preacher  of 

O  my  dear  Friend !  let  not  any  part  of  thy  life  lie  in 
notions  above  the  seed,  but  let  it  all  lie  in  the  seed  itself, 
in  thy  waiting  upon  the  Lord  for  its  arisings  in  thee,  and 
in  thy  feeling  its  arisings.  O  what  becomes  of  flesh,  and 
self,  and  self-righteousness,  when  this  lives  in  the  heart ! 
My  religion,  which  I  now  daily  bless  my  God  for,  began 
in  this  seed ;  which,  when  I  first  felt,  and  discerningly 
knew  from  the  Lord,  my  cry  to  him  was,  O  this  is  it  I 
have  longed  after  and  waited  for!  O  unite  my  soul  to 
thee  in  this  forever!  this  is  thy  Son's  gift  from  thee,  thy 
Son's  grace,  thy  Son's  Truth,  thy  Son's  life,  thy  Son's 
Spirit !  I  desire  no  more,  than  to  be  made  nothing  in 
myself,  that  this  may  be  all  in  me :  and,  what  I  meet  with 


106       LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON". 


and  witness  here,  what  I  feel  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  to  be 
made  to  rae  here,  none  knows,  or  possibly  can  know,  but 
they  that  have  felt  the  pure  power  of  the  Spirit  of  life,  and 
have  been  led  by  it  into  the  same  holy  and  blessed  ex- 
perience. 

Ah  !  sin  hath  no  share  here,  in  this  blessed  seed  ;  but  is 
excluded,  by  the  life  and  power  which  is  stronger  than  it. 
Here,  Christ  is  formed  in  the  soul,  of  a  truth  ;  here,  the 
black  garments  of  unrighteousness,  yea,  of  man's  right- 
eousness too,  are  put  off,  and  the  white  raiment  put  on ; 
here,  the  holy  image  is  brought  forth  in  the  heart,  even 
the  image  of  the  dear  Son,  which  partakes  of  the  divine 
nature  of  the  Father ;  here,  the  soul  is  new  created  in 
Christ  Jesus ;  here,  is  no  deceit  in  any  kind  met  with,  but 
only  truth  from  God,  even  the  true  life,  light,  virtue, 
power,  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  as  livingly  felt  in  the 
heart,  and  as  efiectually  operating  there,  as  ever  the  power 
of  sin  did.  O !  that  thou  mightst  daily  discern  this, 
and  teel  this  to  giow  up  in  thee  more  and  more,  and  die 
to  all  notions,  even  of  the  heavenly  things  themselves,  out 
of  this  ;  that  thy  soul  may  fully  live  in  the  life.  Spirit, 
and  power  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  and  nothing  but  his 
life.  Spirit,  and  power,  may  live  in  thee ;  to  the  glory  of 
God  the  Father,  and  to  the  great  joy  and  gladdening  of 
thy  heart  in  his  presence !  Amen. 

Thy  Friend,  in  the  true,  sincere  love  of  the  heavenly, 
everlasting  seed.  I.  P, 

13th  of  Twelfth  Month,  1678. 


LETTEIiS   OF   ISAAC    P  E  K  J  .\  G  T  O  N  .  107 


LETTER  XXXVII. 

Comfort  and  t'oiiiisel  under  Affliction. 
To  THE  Lady  Cox  way. 

Dear  Fkie:s^d, —  In  tender  love,  and  in  a  sense  of  thy 
sore  afflictions  and  exercises,  I  do  most  dearly  salute  thee; 
desiring  for  thee,  that  the  work  of  the  Lord  iu  thy  heart 
may  not  be  interrupted  by  any  devices  of  the  enemy ; 
but,  that  it  may  go  on  and  prosper  in  thee,  in  the  spring- 
ing up  of  the  pure  seed  of  life  iu  thy  heart,  and  iu  the 
powerful  overturning,  by  the  mighty  arm  of  the  Lord,  of 
all  that  is  contrary  thereto  in  thee.  O  that  thou  mayest 
daily  feel  that  holy  birth  of  life,  which  is  begotten  by  the 
Father,  and  lives  by  faith  in  him!  —  I  say,  O  that  thou 
mayest  daily  feel  it  living  iu  thee,  when  temptations  and 
trials  on  every  hand  increase  —  feel  the  birth  of  life, 
which  will  cry  to  the  Father,  "  Lord,  increase  my  faith ! " 

Though  sorrows,  heaviness,  and  faintings  of  heart  ever 
so  much  increase  ;  yet^  if  thy  faith  increase  also,  it  will 
bear  thee  up  in  the  midst  of  them.  I  would  fain  have  it 
go  well  with  thee,  and  that  thou  mightst  not  want  the 
Reprover,  in  any  thing  that  is  to  be  reproved  in  thej;  nor 
the  Comforter,  iu  any  respect  wherein  thy  soul  wants 
comfort ;  nor  the  holy  Counsellor  and  Adviser,  in  any 
strait  or  difficulty  which  the  wise  and  tender  God  orders 
to  befall  thee. 

Ah !  that  thou  mightst  come  to  feel  the  daily  wasting 
of  sin  and  death,  and  the  daily  springing  of  life  and  holi- 
ness iu  thy  heart.  The  j)earl  is  worth  thousands  of 
worlds,  with  the  greatest  earthly  glory  and  pleasure 
imaginable.  O  that  thou  mayest  be  taught  of  God  to  dis- 
cern it  more  and  more,  and  to  buy  it,  and  to  come  iuto 


108       LETTERS    OF   ISAAC  PEXINGTON. 


the  enjoyment  and  possession  of  it !  Tiie  Lord  manifest 
Zion  more  and  more  to  thee,  and  show  thee  the  glory  of 
it,  and  set  thy  feet  towards  it ;  and  put  into  tliy  heart  to 
seek  of  him  tlie  way  to  it,  renewing  thee  more  and  more 
in  the  s^iirit  of  thy  mind,  whereby  the  way  comes  clearly 
to  be  discerned,  and  faithfully  walked  in ;  that  thou  may- 
est  witness,  daily,  the  everlasting  covenant  of  life  and 
peace,  even  the  sure  mercies  of  David. 

The  desire  of  my  soul  is,  that  thy  afflictions,  which  how 
grievous  soever,  yet  are  but  momentary,  may  fit  thee  for, 
and  work  out  an  eternal  weight  of  glory,  for  thy  soul  to 
inherit  in  another  world,  forever. 

I  remain  a  sympathizer  with  thee  in  thy  sufferings ; 
who  desires  all  the  advantage  and  blessings  from  the  God 
of  my  life,  may  come  to  thee,  which  hardships,  temptations, 
and  trials,  prepare  the  heart  and  make  way  for.     I.  P. 

14th  of  Twelfth  Month,  1678. 

POSTSCRIPT. 

My  dear  Friend, —  Some  time  after  writing  the  fore- 
going, this  arose  in  me  to  thee.  If  the  Lord,  in  thy  wait- 
ing upon  him,  to  search  and  try  thy  heart  and  ways,  shall 
please  to  show  thee  any  thing  amiss  therein ;  mind  this 
counsel  on  my  heart  to  thee.  Be  not  looking  at  it  too 
much,  on  the  one  hand,  or  excusing  it,  on  the  other  hand  ; 
but  sink  down  beneath  thyself,  retiring  thither,  where  thou 
mayest  receive  from  the  Lord  true  judgment  concerning 
it,  and  also  strength  against  it.  And  know  this,  in  the 
holy  experience ;  that  thou  must  be  weakened  by  the 
Lord,  and  be  contented  in  or  with  thy  weak  and  distressed 
estate,  if  thou  wouldst  receive  mercy  and  strength  from 
him.  And  the  more  thou  art  weakened  and  distressed, 
the  more  thou  art  fitted  for,  and  the  more  abundantly 
shalt  thou  partake  of,  his  mercy  and  strengtli ;  waiting 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  109 


upon  him  in  the  meek,  quiet,  patient,  arid  resigned  spirit, 
which  he  will  not  fail  to  work  thy  mind  into ;  that,  in  the 
issue  of  all,  thou  niayest  reap  the  quiet  fruits  of  righteous- 
ness and  heavenly  peace  from  his  hand.  Amen,  so  be  it 
from  the  Lord  to  thy  soul ! 


LETTER  XXXVIIL 

On  the  Benefit  of  Chastening  by  AfBictions. 
To  THE  Lady  Cox^vay. 

Dear  Friend, —  As  I  was  lately  retired  in  spirit  and 
waiting  upon  the  Lord,  having  a  sense  on  me  of  thy  long, 
sore,  and  deep  affliction  and  distress  ;  there  arose  a  Scrip- 
ture in  my  heart  to  lay  before  thee,  namely,  Heb.  xii.  5, 
6,  7,  which,  I  entreat  thee,  to  call  for  a  Bible,  and  hear 
read,  before  thou  proceedest  to  what  follows. 

O  my  Friend !  after  it  hath  pleased  the  Lord  in  tender 
mercy  to  visit  us,  and  turn  our  minds  from  the  world  and 
ourselves  towards  him,  and  to  beget  and  nourish  that 
which  is  pure  and  living,  of  himself,  in  ps ;  yet,  notwith- 
standing this,  there  remains  somewhat  at  first,  yea,  and 
perhaps  for  a  long  time,  which  is  to  bd  searched  out  by 
the  light  of  the  Lord,  and  brought  down  and  subdued  by 
his  afflicting  hand.  When  there  is,  indeed,  somewhat  of 
an  holy  will  formed  in  the  day  of  God's  power ;  and  the 
soul,  in  some  measure,  begotten  and  brought  forth  to  live 
to  God,  in  the  heavenly  wisdom  ;  yet,  all  the  earthly  will 
and  wisdom  is  not  thereby  presently  removed :  but,  there 
are  hidden  things,  of  the  old  nature  and  spirit,  still 
remaining ;  which,  perhaps,  appear  not,  but  sink  inward 
into  their  root,  that  they  may  save  their  life ;  which,  man 
cannot  possibly  find  out  in  his  own  heart,  but  as  the  Lord 
10 


110      LETTERS   OF    ISAAC  PENIXGTON. 


reveals  them  to  him.  But,  how  doth  the  Lord  find  them 
out?  O  consider!  his  "  fire  is  in  Zion,  and  his  furnace  iu 
Jerusalem."  By  his  casting  into  the  furnace  of  affliction, 
the  fire  searcheth.  The  deep,  sore,  distressing  affliction, 
which  rends  and  tears  the  very  inwards,  finds  out  both 
the  seed  and  the  ehafl^,  purifying  the  pure  gold  and  con- 
suming the  dross;  and  then,  at  length,  the  quiet  state  is 
witnessed,  and  the  quiet  fruit  of  righteousness  brought 
forth,  by  the  searching  and  consuming  nature  and  opera- 
tion of  the  fire.  O  that  thy  soul  may  be  tried  unto  victory 
over  all  that  is  not  of  the  pure  life  in  thee  !  and,  that  thou 
mayest  wait  to  feel  the  pure  seed,  or  measure  of  life  iu 
thee  and  die  into  the  seed,  feeling  death  unto  all  that  is  not 
of  the  .seed  iu  thee!  and,  that  thou  mayest  feel  life,  heal- 
ing, refreshment,  support,  and  comfort  from  the  God  of 
thy  life,  in  the  seed;  —  and  nowhere  else,  nor  at  any  time, 
but  as  the  Lord  pleaseth  to  administer  it  to  thee  there. 
Oh  !  the  Lord  guide  thee  daily,  and  keep  thy  mind  to 
him  ;  at  least,  looking  towards  the  holy  jilace  of  the 
springing  of  his  life  and  power  in  thy  heart.  Look  unto 
him.  Help,  pity,  salvation,  will  arise  in  his  due  time; 
but,  it  will  not  arise  from  any  thing  thou  canst  do  or 
think  ;  and  faith  will  spring  and  patience  be  given,  and 
hope  in  the  teiider  Father  of  mercy,  and  a  meek  and  quiet 
spirit  will  be  witnessed  ;  and  the  Lamb's  nature  springing 
up  and  opening  in  thee,  from  his  precious  seed,  which  will 
excel  in  nature,  kind,  degree,  and  virtue,  all  the  faith, 
patience,  hope,  meekness,  &c.,  which  thou,  or  any  else, 
otherwi.se  can  attain  unto.  O I  look  not  at  thy  pain  or 
sorrow,  how  great  soever ;  but  look  from  them,  look  off 
them,  look  beyond  them,  to  the  Deliverer !  whose  power 
is  over  them,  and  whose  loving,  wise,  and  tender  Spirit  is 
able  to  do  thee  good  by  them.  And,  if  the  outward  afflic- 
tions work  out  an  exceeding  weight  of  glorj',  O  what  shall 
the  inward  do.  for  those,  who  are  humbly,  brokenly,  and 


LETTERS   OP   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  Ill 

faithfully  exercised  before  the  Lorfl  by  them  !  O  !  wait 
to  feel  the  seed,  and  the  cry  of  thy  soul  in  the  breathing 
life  of  the  seed,  to  its  Father,  with  its  sweet,  kindly,  and 
natural  subjection  to  him.  And  wait  for  the  risings  of 
the  power  in  thy  heart,  in  the  Father's  seasons,  and  for 
faith  in  the  power  ;  that  thou  mayest  feel  inward  healing, 
of  all  the  inward  wounds  which  the  Lord  makes  in  thy 
soul,  through  his  love  to  thee  for  thy  good. 

If  thou  wilt  receive  the  kingdom  that  cannot  be 
shaken,  thou  must  wait  to  have  that  discovered  in  thee, 
which  may  be  shaken  ;  and  the  Lord  arising  terribly  to 
shake  the  earth,  and  it  removed  out  of  its  place  as  a 
cottage,  and  the  heavens  also  rolled  up  like  a  scroll. 
And,  while  the  Lord  is  doing  this,  he  will  be  hiding  thee 
in  the  hollow  of  his  hand,  (thy  mind  still  retiring  to  the 
seed,)  and  will,  in  these  troublesome  and  dismal  times,  in- 
wardly be  forming  the  new  heavens  and  the  new  earth, 
wherein,  when  they  are  brought  forth  and  established, 
dwells  righteousness.  The  Lord  lead  thee,  day  by  day, 
in  the  right  way,  and  keej)  thy  mind  stayed  upon  him,  in 
whatever  befalls  thee  ;  that  the  belief  of  his  love  and  hope 
in  his  mercy,  when  thou  art  at  the  lowest  ebb,  may  keep 
up  thy  head  above  the  billows ;  and  that  thou  mayest  go 
on  in  the  disciple's  state,  learning  righteousness  and  holi- 
ness of  Him,  who  teaclieth  to  deny  and  put  off  unholiness 
and  unrighteousness,  and  to  know,  endn-ace,  and  put  on 
newness  of  life,  and  the  holiness  and  righteousness  there- 
of. 

The  Lord  God  of  my  life  be  with  thee,  preserving  and 
ordering  thy  heart  for  the  great  day  of  his  love  and 
mercy ;  which  will  come  in  the  appointed  season,  when 
the  heart  is  fully  exercised  an<l  fitted  by  tlie  Lord  i'or  it, 
and  will  not  tarry.  I.  P. 


112       LETTERS   OP   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


LETTER  XXXIX. 

On  being  Ingrafted  into  Christ,  being  Preserved  Alive  in  Him,  and 
Growing  up  in  Hiui  in  all  Things. 

To  S.  W. 

Dear  S.  W., —  I  have  ever  had  a  love  to  thee,  and 
have  many  times  been  filled  with  earnest  desires  for  thee ; 
that  thou  mayest  know  the  Lord  in  his  own  pure  teach- 
ings, and  travel  into,  and  dwell  in,  the  fulness  of  the 
kingdom  of  his  dear  Sou ;  and  that  thou  mayest  be 
blessed  with  spiritual  blessings  in  heavenly  places  in 
Christ. 

In  order  to  arrive  here,  thou  must  wait  to  know  God 
and  Christ,  in  the  mystery  of  their  Spirit,  life,  and  power ; 
and,  by  that  Spirit,  life,  and  power,  find  the  secrets  of  the 
mystery  of  darkness  searched  and  purged  out,  and  the 
mj'stery  of  godliness  opened  and  established  in  thy  heart, 
in  the  room  thereof ;  —  Christ  formed  inwardly ;  the  soul 
formed,  yea,  and  created  inwardly  anew  in  him ;  a  real 
transplanting  into  his  death,  and  a  real  feeling  of  his 
springing  and  rising  life ;  and  an  experience  of  the  sweet- 
ness, safety,  and  virtue  of  his  rising  life  ;  —  and  daily  to 
be  sensible,  what  it  is  to  lie  down  in  the  holy,  quickening 
power,  and  to  rise  again  in  the  risings  of  the  life  and 
power ;  and  so,  be  only  what  thou  art  made  and  preserved 
to  be,  in  the  light,  grace,  life,  virtue,  and  power  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  and  to  feel  him  remove  any  thing  that 
is  unrighteous,  and  clothing  thee  with  his  pure  life,  Spii'it, 
and  righteousness. 

Oh  !  this  is  indeed  the  pure,  precious,  living  knowledge 
of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  which  all  the  outward  knowl- 
edge tends  to  lead  to,  and  is  comprehended  and  ended  in. 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  113 

This  is  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Jesus  Clirist 
our  Lord,  which  Paul  was  so  ravished  with,  and  counted 
all  things  but  dross  and  dung  for.  Now,  that  thou  niaj-est 
obtain  this,  mind  the  inward  appearance,  the  root,  the  foun- 
tain, the  rock  within,  the  living  stone  within,  —  its  open- 
ings, its  springings,  its  administering  life  to  thee  ;  and  take 
heed  of  running  into  the  outwardness  of  openings,  con- 
cerning the  heavenly  things ;  but  keep,  O  learn  to  keep, 
O  mind  to  keep  in  the  inwardness  of  life  within !  This  is 
ihe  everlasting  habitation  of  the  birth,  which  is  begotten 
and  brought  forth,  bred  up  and  kept  alive,  alone  by  the 
presence,  power,  and  operation  of  the  living  Spirit;- — -and 
the  Lord  Jesus  is  tliat  Spirit,  as  really  as  he  was  man, 
even  the  holy,  heavenly,  immaculate,  spotless  Lamb  of 
God.  And,  in  this  state,  life  reigns  in  the  heart,  and  the 
horn  of  the  Holy  One  is  exalted,  the  head  of  the  serpent 
crushed,  yea,  Satan  trod  under  foot,  by  the  God  of  peace; 
who  would  have  his  children  dwell  in  the  sweetness  and 
fulness  of  the  gospel,  —  in  the  peace,  life,  righteousness, 
and  joy  of  his  blessed  Spirit  and  power. 

Oh !  who  would  not  desire  after,  and  wait  for,  and  walk 
with  the  Lord,  towards  the  obtaining  and  possessing  of 
these  things?  All  the  promises,  in  Christ,  are  yea  and 
amen.  Inward  victory  is  promised  ;  the  inward  presence 
of  God  is  promised  ;  God's  dwelling  and  walking  in  the 
soul  is  promised ;  Christ  supping  with  the  soul,  and  the 
soul  with  him,  is  promised  ;  putting  the  law  in  the  heart, 
and  writing  it  there ;  putting  the  pure,  living  fear  into  it; 
yea,  also  putting  the  holy,  powerful  Spirit  into  it,  which 
can  cause  it  to  walk  in  God's  ways,  and  to  keep  his  right- 
eous judgments  and  do  them:  and  He  is  able  to  do  this 
work  in  tlie  heart ;  for,  what  cannot  the  spirit  of  judgment 
and  burning  consume  and  burn  up  within  ?  Yea,  all  these 
things  are  promised.  He  can  cause  the  soul  to  rejoice  in 
the  Lord,  and  work  righteousness,  and  to  remember  the 
10*  H 


114       LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


Lord  iu  his  ways,  as  some  were  taught  and  enabled  to  do 
in  former  times,  Isai.  Ixiv.  5  ;  yea,  he  can  bring  into  the 
way  of  holiness,  the  King  of  glory's  highway,  into  which 
no  unclean  thing  can  enter,  and  [can]  keep  nndefiled 
therein  ;  and,  they  that  are  kept  undefiled  therein,  taste 
the  sweetness,  blessedness,  purity,  and  holy  pleasure 
thereof. 

I  wonhl  fain  have  my  own  soul  and  thine,  and  all  the 
real,  serious,  faithful  people  of  God  experience,  and  be 
able  to  say  with  David,  that  wliich,  after  his  many  trials-, 
afflictions,  troubles,  temptations,  and  grievous  fall,  he  was 
able  to  say,  in  relation  to  his  walking  with  the  Lord,  "  For 
I  have  kept  the  ways  of  the  Lord,  and  have  not  wickedly 
departe<l  from  my  God.  For  all  his  judgments  were  be- 
fore me,  and  I  did  not  put  away  his  statutes  from  me.  I 
was  also  upright  before  him,  and  I  kept  myself  from 
iniquity."  Psal.  xviii.  21,22,23.  Oh!  this  is  precious, 
when  a  man  comes  to  know  his  iniquity,  wherein  the 
enemy's  strength  lies  as  to  him,  and  whereby  the  enemy 
hath  most  advantage  to  tempt  and  gain  ground  on  him, 
brought  <lown  and  subdued.  C'ertainly,  when  one  gains 
strength  from  God,  to  overcome  the  enemy  here,  and  to 
keep  out  of  this,  he  comes  very  near  to  the  keeping  of  him- 
self, in  and  by  virtue  of  the  Holy  Spirit  and  power,  so  as 
the  wicked  one  cannot  touch  him,  nor  draw  him  to  touch 
any  unclean  thing.  If  that  be  indeed  put  oft",  wherein  the 
enemy's  power  lies ;  and  that  indeed  put  on,  wherein  the 
strength  of  the  Lord  Jesus  is  revealed;  and  the  soul  be 
really  in  the  ])ossession  of,  and  abide  in  this  state  ;  how 
can  it  but  be  strong  in  the  Lord,  and  in  the  power  of  his 
might ;  and  witness  the  good  pleasure  of  the  goodness  of 
the  Lord  fulfilling,  and  the  work  of  faith  going  on  with 
power,  daily,  more  and  more ;  a  little  measure  whereof, 
kept  to,  removes  the  mountains  inwardly,  and  gives 
strength  over  the  enemy.    How,  then,  doth  it  increase  and 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  115 


grow  up  in  life  imd  virtue,  and  in  a  sensible  understand- 
ing and  exj)erieuce  of  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus !  Is 
there  not,  iu  tliis  state,  a  feeling  of  remission  of  sins,  a 
feeling  of  redemption,  a  feeling  of  reconciliation,  a  feeling 
of  oneness  with  God  in  Christ,  a  feeling  of  God  being  the 
salvation,  strength,  and  song,  and  a  trusting  in  him,  and 
not  being  afraid  ?  Isai.  xii.  2.  Is  there  not  a  being  care- 
ful iu  nothing,  but  in  every  thing  making  the  requests  to 
God,  by  prayer  and  supplication,  with  thanksgiving,  iu 
that  Spirit  and  holy  breath  of  life,  which  the  Father  can- 
not deny ;  and  so,  the  peace  of  God,  which  passeth  all 
understanding,  keeping  the  heart  and  mind  through  Christ 
Jesus  ? 

O  my  Friend !  there  is  an  ingrafting  into  Christ,  a 
being  formed  and  new  created  in  Christ,  a  living  and 
abiding  in  him,  and  a  growing  and  -bringing  forth  fruit 
through  him  unto  perfection.  O  mayest  thou  experience 
all  these  things  !  and,  that  thou  mayest  so  do,,  wait  to  know 
life,  the  .springings  of  life,  the  separations  of  life  inwardly, 
from  all  that  evil  which  hangs  about  it,  and  would  be 
springing  up  and  mixing  with  it,  under  an  appearance  of 
good ;  that  life  may  come  to  live  fully  in  thee,  and  noth- 
ing else.  And  so,  sink  very  low,  and  become  very  little, 
and  know  little ;  yea,  know  no  power  to  believe,  act,  or 
suffer  any  thing  for  God,  but  as  it  is  given  thee,  by  the 
springing  grace,  virtue,  and  life  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  For, 
grace  is  a  spiritual,  inward  thing  and  holy  seed,  sown  bv 
God,  springing  up  in  the  heart.  People  have  got  a  notion 
of  grace,  but  know  not  the  thing.  Do  not  thou  matter 
the  notion,  but  feel  the  thing ;  and  know  thy  heart  more 
and  more  ploughed  up  by  the  Lord,  that  his  seed's  grace 
may  grow  up  iu  thee  more  and  more,  and  thou  mayest 
daily  feel  thy  heart  as  a  garden,  more  and  more  enclosed, 
watered,  dressed,  and  delighted  in  by  him. 


116      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PEXIXGTOX. 


This  is  a  salutation  of  love  from  thy  Friend  in  tlie 
Truth,  which  lives  and  changes  not.  I.  P. 

27th  of  Twelfth  Month,  1678. 


LETTER  XL. 

Counsel  to  One  Tossed  as  with  Tempests. 

Dear  Friexd,  —  Thy  condition  cannof  but  be  weak 
and  dark,  until  the  light"  of  life  arise  in  thee,  and  the 
power  of  the  Lord  overcome  and  subdue  the  power  of 
darkness,  which  strives  to  keep  the  seed  of  life  in  the  grave 
and  bonds  of  death. 

It  is  the  Lord's  mercy,  to  give  thee  breathings  after  life, 
and  cries  unto  him  against  that  which  oppresseth  thee ; 
and  happy  wilt  thou  be,  when  he  shall  fill  thy  soul  with 
that,  which  he  hath  given  thee  to  breathe  after.  Only,  let 
thj'  heart  wait  for  strength  to  trust  him  with  the  season ; 
for,  his  long  tarrying  is  thy  salvation,  and  the  destruction 
of  those  enemies,  which,  while  any  strength  remains  in 
them,  will  never  suffer  thee  and  thy  God  to  dwell  uninter- 
ruptedly together.  Therefore,  they  must  needs  die,  and 
He  who  hath  the  power  to  kill  them,  knows  the  way ; 
which,  to  the  appearing  of  thy  sense,  will  be  as  if  he 
meant  to  kill  the  life  of  thy  soul,  and  not  of  them.  But, 
lie  still  under  his  hand,  and  be  content  to  be  unable  to 
judge  concerning  his  ways  and  workings  in  thy  heart;  and 
thou  shalt  at  times  feel  an  inward  leaven  of  life  from  his 
Holy  Spirit,  whereby  he  will  change  and  transform  thy 
spirit  into  his  likeness,  in  some  measure,  for  the  present. 
And,  though  it  be  quickly  gone  again,  and  the  whole  land 
so  overspread  with  enemies,  that  there  is  no  sight  of  re- 
demption or  the  Redeemer  left,  but  the  soul  in  a  worse 


LETTERS   OF  ISAAC 


PENINGTOSr. 


117 


condition  tlian  before  ;  yet,  be  not  troubled  :  for,  if  troubles 
abound,  and  there  be  tossing,  and  storms,  and  tempests, 
and  no  peace,  nor  any  thing  visible  left  to  support;  yet, 
lie  still,  and  sink  beneath,  till  a  secret  hope  stir,  which 
will  stay  the  heart  in  the  midst  of  all  these:  until  the 
Lord  administer  comfort,  who  knows  how  and  what  relief 
to  give  to  the  weary  traveller,  that  knows  not  where  it  is, 
nor  which  way  to  look,  nor  where  to  expect  a  j^ath. 

How  shall  I  speak  to  thee,  how  shall  I  mourn  over  thee? 
O  that  thou  mayest  be  upheld  to  the  day  of  God's  mercy 
to  thy  soul !  and  be  gathered,  out  of  all  such  knowledge, 
as  thou  canst  comprehend  or  contain  in  what  is  natural, 
into  the  feeling  of  life ;  that  thou  mayest  know  the  differ- 
ence, between  living  upon  somewhat  received  from  God, 
and,  having  God  live  with  thee,  and  administer  life  to  thee 
at  his  pleasure  ;  thou  being  kept  in  the  nothingness,  empti- 
ness, poverty,  and  perfect  resignation  of  spirit. 

This  counsel  is  to  thee,  through  a  poor,  weak  vessel, 

I.  P. 


LETTER  XLL 

Encouragement  under  Trials  incident  to  bearing  the  Cross  of 
Christ. 

Who  is  able  to  undergo  the  crosses  and  afflictions,  either 
inward  or  outward,  which  befall  those,  whom  God  draws 
out  of  the  spirit  of  this  world  and  path  of  destruction, 
into  the  way  of  eternal  rest  and  peace?-  Yet,  the  Lord  is 
able  to  uphold  that  which  feels  its  weakness,  and  daily 
waits  on  him  for  support,  under  the  heaviness  of  the  cross. 

I  know,  dear  heart,  thy  outward  trials  cannot  but  be 
sharp  and  bitter ;  and  I  know  also,  that  the  Lord  is  able 
to  sustain  thee  under  them,  and  cause  thee  to  stand  thy 
ground  ;  that  thou  give  not  advantage  to  that  spirit,  which 


118 


LETTERS 


OF  ISAAC 


PENINGTON. 


hereby  would  draw  from  the  Lord,  and  from  the  way  of 
life  and  happiness.  O  that  thou  couldst  dwell  in  the  knowl- 
edge and  sense  of  this!  even,  that  the  Lord  beholds  thy 
sufferings  with  an  eye  of  pity  ;  and  is  able,  not  only  to  up- 
hold thee  under  them,  but  also  to  do  thee  good  by  them; 
and  to  bring  forth  that  life  and  wisdom  in  thee  by  means 
thereof,  to  which  he  will  give  dominion  over  that  spirit 
which  grieves  and  afflicts  thee,  in  his  due  season.  There- 
fore, grieve  not  at  thy  lot,  be  not  discontented,  look  not 
out  at  the  hardness  of  thy  condition  ;  but,  when  the  storm 
and  matters  of  vexation  are  sharp,  look  up  to  Him  who 
can  give  meekness  and  patience,  can  lift  up  thy  head  over 
all,  and  cause  thy  life  to  grow,  and  be  a  gainer  by  all.  If 
the  Lord  God  did  not  help  us  by  his  mighty  arm,  how 
often  should  we  fall  and  perish  !  and  if  the  Lord  God 
help  thee  proportionably  to  thy  condition  of  affliction  and 
distress,  thou  wilt  have  no  cause  to  complain,  but  to  bless 
his  name.  He  is  exceedingly  good,  and  gracious,  and  ten- 
der-hearted,' and  doth  not  despise  the  afflictions  of  the 
afflicted,  for  his  name's  sake,  in  any  kind. 

This  is  in  tender  love  towards  thee,  with  breathings  to 
my  Father,  that  his  pleasant  plant  may  not  be  crushed  in 
thee,  by  the  foot  of  pride  and  violence;  but  may  overgrow 
it,  and  flourish  the  iuore  because  of  it. 

From  thy  truly  loving  Friend  in  the  Truth,  and  for  the 
Truth's  sake,  I.  P. 


LETTER  XLIL 

On  being  Ofleiuled  with  those  who  fall  into  Temptation. 

It  is  of  the  infinite  mercy  aud  compassion  of  the  Lord, 
that  his  pure  love  visiteth  any  of  us ;  and,  it  is  by  the 
preservation  thereof  alone,  that  we  stand.   If  He  leave  us 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  119 


at  any  time,  but  one  moment,  what  are  wc?  and  wlio  is 
there  that  provoketh  Him  not  to  depart?  Let  him  throw, 
the  first  stone  at  him  that  falls. 

In  the  Truth  itself,  in  the  living  power  and  virtue,  there 
is  no  offence;  but,  that  part  which  is  not  j^erfcctly  re- 
deemed, liath  still  matter  for  the  temptation  to  Avork  upon, 
and  may  be  taken  in  the  snare.  Let  him  that  stands,  take 
heed  lest  lie  fall ;  and,  in  the  bowels  of  pity,  mourn  over 
and  wait  for  the  restoring  of  him  that  is  fallen.  Tliat 
which  is  so  apt  to  be  offended,  is  the  same  with  that  which 
falls.  O !  do  not  reason  in  the  high-mindcdness,  against 
any  that  turn  aside  from  the  pure  Guide;  but  fear,  lest 
the  unbelieving  and  fleshly  wise  part  get  up  in  thee  also. 
O  know  the  weakness  of  the  creature  in  the  withdrawings 
of  the  life!  and  the  strength  of  the  enemy  in  tliat  hour! 
and  the  free  grace  and  mercy  which  alone  can  preserve  ! 
and  thou  wilt  rather  wonder  that  any  stand,  thau  that 
some  fall. 

When  the  pure  springs  of  life  open  in  the  heart,  imrae- 
diatelj'  the  enemy  watcheth  his  opportunity  to  get  en- 
trance; and  many  times  finds  entrance  soon  after  —  the 
soul  little  fearing  or  suspecting  him,  having  lately  felt 
such  mighty,  unconquerable  strength  ;  and  yet,  how  often 
then  doth  he  get  in,  and  smite  the  life  down  to  the  ground  ! 
and,  what  may  he  not  do  with  the  creature,  unless  the  Lord 
graciously  help ! 

Oh  !  great  is  the  mystery  of  godliness,  the  way  of  life 
narrow,  the  travel  to  the  land  of  rest  long,  hard,  and 
sharp ;  it  is  easy  miscarrying,  it  is  easy  stepping  aside,  at 
any  time ;  it  is  easy  losing  the  Lord's  glorious  presence ; 
unless  the  defence  about  it,  by  his  Almighty  arm,  be  kept 
up.  There  is  a  time  for  the  Lord's  taking  down  the  fence 
from  his  own  vineyard,  because  of  transgression,  and  then, 
the  wild  boar  may  easily  break  in.    Ah !  who  tastes  not 


120 


LETTERS 


OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


of  this,  in  some  measure  ?  and  ^vhat  hinders,  that  he  taste 
not  of  it  in  a  greater  measure? 

Ah !  turn  in  from  the  fleshly  wisdom  and  reasonings, 
unto  the  pure  river  of  life  itself ;  and  wait  there,  to  have 
that  judged  which  hath  taken  offence ;  lest,  if  it  grow 
stronger  in  thee,  it  draw  thee  from  the  life,  which  alone  is 
able  to  preserve  thee ;  and  so,  thou  also  fall ! 

This  is  in  dear  love  to  thee  :  retire  from  that  part  which 
looketh  out,  and  feel  the  inward  virtue  of  that  which  can 
restore  and  preserve  thee.  I.  P. 


LETTEE  XLIII. 

The  Mind  may  be  stayed  in  Peace  amidst  the  Enemy's 
Accnsations. 

To  Widow  Hemmings. 

My  dear  Friend,  —  Whom  I  have  always  truly  and 
faithfully  loved  as  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  and  to  whom 
my  love  in  the  Lord  still  continues. 

Since  I  heard  of  thy  illness  and  weakness,  by  M.  S., 
whom  I  desired  to  visit  thee,  I  have  had  an  earnest  desire 
to  see  thee  ;  and  have  been  considering  how  to  effect  it, 
but  cannot  with  any  convenience  at  present,  as  my  Friend 
T.  E.,  the  bearer  hereof,  can  further  inform  thee.  But, 
the  desires  of  my  heart  to  the  God  of  my  life,  are,  that  he 
would  give  thee  a  visit  in  his  tender  pity,  and  guide  and 
help  thee  to  stay  thy  mind  upon  himself,  in  his  most  pre- 
cious Truth  ;  of  which  he  hath  not  only  given  thee  a  taste, 
but,  many  times,  a  full  sense  and  experience. 

O  my  dear  Friend !  that  nothing  might  come  between 
thy  soul  and  God's  Truth  ;  that  thy  comfort,  peace,  and 
joy,  might  be  full,  and  that  thou  mightst  lay  down  thy 


LETTERS   OP   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  121 


head  quietly  in  the  bosom  of  Him,  who  loves  tliee,  and 
accepts  the  sincere  desires  of  thy  heart  towards  him ;  as 
I  have  always  told  thee,  and  as  is  still  true  concerning 
thee.  Mind  not  temptations  nor  accusations,  nor  the  many 
noises  the  enemy  will  make  in  thee  and  against  thee,  to 
the  Lord ;  but,  wait  to  feel  Truth  and  life  springing  in 
thy  heart  from  the  holy  well,  and  to  hear  the  still  voice 
of  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord ;  and  he  will  testify  his  love  to 
thee,  and  speak*  peace. 

Oh !  the  tender  bowels  of  my  heavenly  Father  relieve 
thee;  and  gather  thee  inwardly  in  thither,  and  preserve 
thee  there,  where  the  enemy  cannot  break  in  upon  thee. 
Look  not  upon  thy  sins,  even  since  thou  hast  known  the 
Truth,  wherein  thou  mightst  have  met  with  strength 
against,  and  preservation  from  sin,  and  have  been  in  some 
measure  blessed  by  the  Lord ;  but,  wait  to  feel  somewhat 
inwardly,  wherein  God  appears  and  breathes,  and  gathers, 
and  receives  —  and  eases  of  the  loads,  fears,  doubts,  trou- 
bles, temptations,  and  accusations,  &c. ;  and  the  Lord 
God  of  my  life  and  tender  mercies,  which  he  hath  made 
sure  to  my  soul  in  the  everlasting  covenant,  give  thee 
solid  peace  and  consolation  in  the  Son  of  his  love,  through 
the  measure  of  his  gi'ace  and  Truth  springing  in  thy 
heart,  and  staying  thy  mind  upon  him. 

O !  feel  the  seed,  and  the  faith  which  springs  from  the 
seed,  which  gives  victory  over  the  enemy,  and  all  his 
mysterious  workings  in  the  heart. 

Thy  Friend,  in  the  truest  and  most  sincere  love,    I.  P. 
11 


122      LETTEKS   OP   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


LETTER  XLIV. 

On  Eesisting,  and  on  Eeceiving  God's  Spirit ;  also  on  Redemption 
by  Clirist  Jesus. 

To  Nathaniel  Stonar. 

It  is  a  dangerous  thing  to  resist  God's  Spirit ;  and  yet 
very  easy  for  a  man  so  to  do,  who  hatli  not  received  a 
true  understanding  from  the  Lord,  nor  is  acquainted  with 
the  leadings  and  outgoings  of  Him,  who  is  pure.  He 
that  is  tender  and  truly  sensible,  may  discern  when  he 
resi.steth,  when  he  quencheth,  or  when  he  grieveth  the 
Spirit  of  the  Lord ;  but,  he  that  is  not  truly  enlightened, 
nor  in  the  true  sense,  cannot  do  so.  The  Scribes  and 
Pharisees,  who  were  interpreters  of  the  law,  and  very 
strict  in  outward  observations  and  ordinances,  &c.,  who 
blamed  their  fathers  for  killing  the  prophets,  and  said,  if 
they  had  been  in  the  days  of  the  prophets,  they  would 
not  have  dealt  so  with  them  us  their  fathers  did ;  yet, 
concerning  these,  said  Stephen,  "  Ye  stiff-necked,  and 
uncircumcised  in  heart  and  ears,  ye  do  also  resist  the  Holy 
Ghost ;  as  your  fathers  did,  so  do  ye."  For,  till  the  stiff 
will  and  stiff  wisdom  be  brought  down  in  a  man,  he  can- 
not but  resist  God's  Spirit,  and  fight  for  his  notions  and 
practices,  according  to  his  apprehensions  of  the  letter, 
against  the  testimony  of  God's  Spirit  and  power. 

Paul,  who  walked,  according  to  the  letter  of  the  law, 
blameless,  yet  resisted  the  Spirit  wJiich  gave  forth  the 
law.  He  must  know  the  Spirit,  receive  the  Spirit,  live  in 
the  Spirit,  walk  in  the  Spirit,  and  not  fulfil  the  lusts  of 
the  flesh,  who  would  be  found  not  resisting  God's  Spirit. 
He  who  is  indeed  turned  to  the  redeeming  arm,  to  Christ 
the  power  of  God,  and  gathered  into  the  power,  and 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  123 


dwelletli  in  the  Spirit  and  power  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and 
is  tauglit  and  led  by  Him  from  path  to  path,  and  from 
pasture  to  pasture,  as  the  Lamb,  the  Shepherd,  goes  before 
and  guides  him ;  —  he  is  preserved  from  grieving  the 
Holy  Spirit,  which  moves  and  draws,  instructs  and  quick- 
ens, all  that  are  born  of  God.  But  he  that  is  only  in  the 
letter,  and  in  the  form  of  godliness,  out  of  the  inward 
life  and  power,  he  is  of  that  birth,  mind,  nature,  and 
spirit,  which  cannot  but  resist  God's  Spirit.  He  knoweth 
not,  he  hecdeth  not,  His  drawings.  His  movings.  His  light, 
His  life  —  the  way  thereof,  —  either  in  his  own  heart,  or 
in  the  hearts  of  others ;  and  so,  walks  in  a  way  of  rebel- 
ling against  and  resisting  Him,  who  is  the  only  Saviour 
and  lledeemer  of  the  soul.  See  Job,  xxix.  3,  4,  and  xxiv. 
13.  O  that  thou  mightst  learn  to  wait  aright  to  learn 
these  things !  and  come  into  the  true  sense  and  discerning 
of  the  Spirit  and  power  of  the  Lord,  that  thou  mightst 
not  any  more  resist  it,  neither  in  thyself,  nor  in  others. 

The  Lord  open  thy  heart,  and  lay  thy  spirit  low  before 
him  ;  that  thou  mayest  come  into  a  right  sense  and  judg- 
ment, concerning  the  state  of  thine  own  soul ;  and  mayest 
experience  the  Lord  manifesting  things  to  thee,  as  indeed 
they  are.  I.  P. 

15th  of  Fifth  Month,  1C71. 

POSTSCRIPT. 

0  Friend!  —  Wait  to  receive  an  understanding  from 
the  Lord,  that  thou  mayest  come  truly  to  know,  whether 
thou  hast  resisted  God's  Spirit,  or  no  ;  that  thou  lose  not 
the  advantage  of  making  peace  with  thy  adversary,  while 
thou  art  in  the  way  with  him. 

1  would  not  have  thee  deceived  about  that  virtue, 
life,  and  power  which  redeems  the  soul.  For,  there  is  no 
other  Redeemer  besides  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  he 
redeems  by  the  grace  of  his  Spirit,  and  by  faith  in  his 


124      LETTEES   or  ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


blood,  which  cleanseth  from  sin  ;  which  blood  is  sprinkled 
on  the  consciences  of  those  that  believe,  —  and  that,  not 
in  the  darkness,  but  in  the  light ;  as  is  said  in  1  John,  1.  7 
"  If  we  walk  in  the  light,  as  He  is  in  the  light,  we  have 
fellowship  one  with  another,  and  the  blooti  of  Jesus 
Christ,  his  Son,  cleanseth  us  from  all  sin."  Under  the 
law,  the  blood  of  bulls  and  goats  was  sprinkled  outwardly, 
on  the  outward  things,  which  sanctified  to  the  purifying 
of  the  outward  things ;  but,  under  the  gospel,  the  blood 
of  the  Lamb  is  sprinkled  inwardly,  upon  inward  and 
heavenly  things.  See  Heb.  ix.  13,  14,  and  22,  23,  and  ch. 
X.  22,  and  xii.  24.  O  that  thou  didst  truly  and  under- 
standingly  know  the  difference,  between  thy  own  applying 
Christ's  blood  to  thyself,  and  the  Lamb's  sprinkling  it  upon 
thee,  and  washing  thy  soul  therein!  E,ev.  i.  5,  and  also, 
between  thy  own  believing,  according  to  thy  own  appre- 
hension of  things,  and  his  giving  thee  to  believe  in  the  light 
of  his  Spirit!  and,  between  thy  own  praying  in  thy  own 
spirit,  and  his  giving  thee  to  pray  in  his  Spirit ! 

Ah !  the  truth  of  our  God  is  precious !  the  knowledge 
of  his  Christ  precious !  It  is  a  precious  thing,  to  have  the 
Son  revealed  by  the  Father  to  the  renewed  mind.  God 
himself  is  the  teacher,  in  the  new  covenant,  of  all  the  true 
disciples  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and,  O  how  do  the 
teachings  of  his  Spirit  differ,  from  all  the  knowledge  and 
learning  men  can  attain  unto  of  themselves !  The  Lord  give 
thee  the  true  understanding  ;  and  to  know  what  it  is  to 
begin  thy  religion  in  his  Spirit ;  and  batter  down  and 
bring  to  nought  the  understanding  in  thee,  which  is  not 
true ;  tliat  thou  mayest  not  find  thy  soul  deeply  deceived 
at  last,  as  to  the  true  knowledge  of  Christ  and  mysteries 
of  God's  kingdom,  —  and  so,  perish  forever  ! 

This,  in  very  dear,  true,  and  tender  love,  from  him,  who 
most  sincerely  and  heartily  wisheth  well  to  thee,    I.  P. 

17th  of  Fiftli  Month,  1G71. 


LETTEKS  OF  ISAAC  PENINGTOIT.  125 


LETTER  XLV. 

Eespecting  some  Snares  of  tlie  Adversary  to  Distress  the  Soul. 

To  Bridget  Atley. 

Dear  Friend, —  I  am  sensible  of  thy  sore  travail  and 
deep  distress,  and  how  hard  it  is  for  thee  to  meet  with  that 
which  is  comfortable  and  refreshing,  and  how  easily  again 
it  is  lost ;  and  —  wlience  it  ariseth, —  even,  from  the  work- 
ing of  the  enemy  in  a  mystery  of  deceit  in  thy  heart ; 
wherein  thou  dost  not  perceive  nor  suspect  him,  but 
swallowest  down  his  baits,  and  so  he  smites  thee  with  his 
hook,  and  thereby  draws  thee  back  into  the  region  of 
darkness  ;  and  then,  entereth  that  part  in  thee  which  is  in 
nature  one  with  him,  filling  it  with  his  wickedness ;  and 
then,  laying  loads  of  accusations  upon  thee,  as  if  they  were 
true.  These  are  not  strange  things  to  the  travellers  after 
the  Lord,  but  such  as  are  usually  met  with  in  the  like 
cases :  but,  if  thy  eye  were  made  single  and  opened  by  the 
Lord,  thou  wouldst  see  those  baits,  and  turn  from  that, 
which  thou  now  so  readily  swallowest  down  ;  and  so,  avoid 
the  stroke,  and  keep  thy  station,  in  the  light  and  mercy 
of  the  Lord.  Thou  must  not  look  so  much  at  the  evil 
that  is  nigh,  but  rather  at  that,  which  stands  ready  to  pity 
and  help, —  and  which  hath  pitied  and  helped  thy  dis- 
tressed soul,  and  will  pity  and  help  it  again.  Why  is 
there  a  mercy-seat,  but  for  the  sinner  to  look  towards  in 
time  of  need  ? 

Neither  must  thou  hearken  to  the  questionings  of  the 
insnaring  questioner  :  but,  cleave  to  that  which  shuts  them 
out,  keeping  to  the  sense  of  the  love  and  mercy,  wlien  the 
Lord  is  kind  and  tender  to  thee.  When  the  enemy 
entered  thy  habitation  again,  and  broke  thy  rest,  peace, 
11* 


126       LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 

and  enjoyment  of  the  Lord:  again,  an  earnest  desire  after 
cleansing  arose  in  thee ;  not  from  the  life,  but  in  the  evil ; 
this  was  also  a  means  to  rob  thee  of  that,  which,  in  its 
abiding  and  powerful  operation,  cleanseth  the  heart ;  and 
here,  thou  wouldst  be  limiting  the  Lord  in  his  dealings, 
who  worketh  according  to  the  counsel  of  his  own  will,  and 
visiteth  when  and  where  he  pleaseth.  And  thus  the  enemy 
having  caught  thee  with  his  mysterious  workings,  he  then 
draws  thee  into  the  pit  of  darkness,  where  the  remem- 
brance of  life,  and  the  sense  of  mercy  and  love,  vanisheth  ; 
and  there  is  no  help  for  thee,  by  any  thing  thou  canst  do 
or  think.  But,  be  patient,  till  the  Lord's  tender  mercy 
and  love  visit  thee  again;  and  then,  look  up  to  him  against 
this  and  such  like  snares,  which  would  come  between  thee 
and  the  appearance  of  the  Lord's  love ;  that  thou  mayest 
feel  more  of  his  abidings  with  thee,  and  of  the  sweet  effects 
thereof.  For,  these  things  are  not  to  destroy  thee,  but,  to 
teach  thee  wisdom  ;  which  the  Lord  is  able,  through  many 
exercises  and  sore  trials,  to  bestow  upon  thee  ;  which  my 
soul  will  exceedingly  rejoice  to  hear  the  tidings  of;  that 
thy  heart  may  be  rid  of  all  that  burdeneth,  and  filled 
with  all  it  rightly  desires  after,  in  the  proper  season  and 
goodness  of  the  Lord  :  to  whose  Avise  ordering  and  tender 
mercy  I  commit  thee,  remaining,    Thy  faithful  Friend, 

LP. 


LETTER  XLVL 

Weighty  Counsel. 

To  Sir  William  Armorer  (so  styled). 

Fkiend, —  The  weighty  sense  of  an  eternal  condition 
after  this  life,  hath  been  upon  my  heart  from  my  child- 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


127 


hood ;  and  it  is  often  with  me,  that  I  must  give  an  ac- 
count to  God,  when  I  pass  out  of  this  transitory  world,  of 
all  things  done  in  the  body  ;  and  shall  enter  into  eternal 
rest  and  blessedness,  or  eternal  woe  or  misery. 

This  causeth  me  to  call  upon  the  Lord  daily,  for  grace 
and  wisdom  from  him  ;  that  my  conscience,  being  cleansed 
through  the  blood  of  his  Sou,  may  be  kept  void  of  offence, 
both  towards  him  and  men.  And  truly,  (I  speak  not 
boastingly,  but  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  in  the  sense 
of  his  goodness  and  tender  mercy  to  me,)  my  heart  is  pre- 
served in  love  and  innocency  towards  those,  who  most 
injuriously,  and  without  provocation  on  my  part,  have 
taken  away  my  liberty,  for  aught  I  know,  for  my  whole 
lifetime.  What  thou  further  intendest  towards  me,  the 
Lord  knows,  to  whom  I  have  committed  my  cause :  but 
this  is  on  my  heart  to  express  to  thee,  because,  when  I 
was  with  thee  thou  spakest  words  to  this  purpose,  that  we 
wished  thee  hanged,  or  would  be  glad  if  thou  wert  hanged. 
God,  who  knows  my  heart,  is  witness,  that  I  wish  thee  no 
evil,  neither  to  thee  nor  thy  family ;  but  wish,  thou  may- 
est  avoid  all  such  things,  as  may  bring  his  wrath  and 
curse  upon  thee,  either  in  this  world  or  the  world  to 
come. 

And,  friend,  do  not  provoke  the  Lord  by  afflicting 
those  that  fear  him  ;  but,  cease  to  do  evil,  learn  to  do 
well ;  and  this  will  please  the  Lord,  and  is  more  accept- 
able to  him,  than  all  the  worship  that  can  be  offered  up  to 
him,  without  this. 

I  have  sent  thee  a  little  book,  as  a  token  of  my  love, 
desiring  thee  to  peruse  it  seriously.  O !  do  not  endeavour 
to  bring  me  into  such  a  condition,  as  is  there  related.  I 
have  had  greater  light,  in  the  way  into  which  the  Lord 
hath  led  me,  than  this  man  had ;  and,  in  that  light,  I 
have  seen,  that  I  ought  not  to  swear,  but  to  give  the 
"  Yea  "  and  "  Nay  "  of  trutli,  which  comes  from  the  Chris- 


128       LETTERS   OF    ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


tian  nature,  and  is  of  far  more  certainty  and  assurance 
than  swearing.  For,  the  man  that  swears  may  easily 
break  his  oath,  but  he  that  keeps  to  the  truth  cannot  alter 
his  yea  and  nay,  but  it  stands  in  the  truth  ;  and  this  our 
Lord  and  Master  hath  set  above,  and  on  the  top  of,  and 
instead  of  swearing ;  which,  if  we  should  vary  from  and 
deny,  we  should  deny  him  who  hath  taught  us  not  to  swear. 
Indeed,  if  we  had  not  learnt  it  "of  the  Lord,  and  if  it  was 
not  by  him  required  of  us,  we  should  rather  swear  than 
otherwise ;  for,  we  would  very  willingly  give  men  satisfac- 
tion, in  those  particulars,  which  they  require  us  to  swear 
about. 

Friend,  God  hath  given  thee  an  immortal  soul,  and  doth 
require  of  thee  righteousness  towards  thy  fellow-creatures, 
and  temperance  and  moderation  of  spirit,  and  sensibleness 
of  the  judgment  to  come  after  this  life.  Thou  art  stricken 
in  years,  and  thou  hast  but  a  little  moment  left  remaining 
of  thy  time ;  and  then,  it  will  be  determined  concerning 
thy  soul,  what  or  how  it  shall  be  forever !  Let  the  words 
of  love,  truth,  and  innocency  from  me,  prevail  upon  thee 
to  be  serious,  and  to  let  in  the  sense  and  fear  of  God  upon 
thy  heart.  Thou  hast  spent  much  time  in  serving  man  ; 
O  spend  a  little  in  serving  and  fearing  God !  There  is 
somewhat,  which  is  pure,  of  God,  appointed  by  him  to 
exercise  the  conscience  towards  him.  Thou  hast  such  a 
thing  near  thee.  O  that  thou  mightst  know  it,  and  be 
joined  to  it !  for,  till  then,  thou  canst  never  truly  serve 
nor  fear  the  Lord ;  but,  mayest  spend  thy  time  here  in 
a  vain  show,  and  at  last  be  judged  and  condemned  by 
the  Lord,  and  lie  down  in  eternal  sorrow ;  which,  it  is  the 
desire  of  my  heart,  may  not  be  thy  portion  from  the  hand 
of  the  Lord. 

This  is  from  a  sufferer  by  thee,  Avho  never  gave  thee  the 
least  cause  or  provocation  so  to  deal  with  me.       I.  P. 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  129 


LETTER  XLVII. 

On  an  Unfaithful  Profession  of  the  Truth. 
To  Abeaham  Grimsden. 

Friend,  —  Thou  hast  made  some  profession  of  Truth, 
and  at  times  come  amongst  us ;  but,  whether  thou  hast 
been  changed  thereby,  and  been  faithful  to  the  Lord  in 
what  has  been  made  manifest  to  thee,  belongs  unto  thee 
diligently  to  inquire.  There  is  no  safe  dallying  with 
Truth.  He  that  puts  his  hand  to  the  plough,  must  not 
look  back  at  any  thing  of  this  world  ;  but,  take  up  the 
cross  and  follow  Christ,  in  the  single-hearted  obedience, 
hating  father,  mother,  goods,  lands,  wife,  yea,  all  for  His 
sake  ;  or  he  is  not  worthy  of  Him.  The  good  hand  of  the 
Lord  is  with  his  people,  and  he  blessetli  them  both  in- 
wardly and  outwardly  ;  and,  they  that  seek  the  kingdom 
of  heaven,  and  the  righteousness  thereof,  in  the  first  place, 
have  other  things  also  added  :  but,  they  that  neglect  the 
kingdom,  and  are  unfaithful  to  Truth,  seeking  the  world 
before  it,  the  hand  of  the  Lord  goes  forth  against  them, 
and  they,  many  times,  miss  of  that  also  of  the  world, 
which  they  seek  and  labour  for. 

Truth  is  honourable.  O !  take  heed  of  bringing  a  re- 
proach upon  it,  by  pretending  to  it,  and  yet,  not  being  of. 
it,  in  the  pure  sense  and  obedience,  which  it  begets  and 
brings  forth  in  the  hearts  and  lives  of  the  faithful.  But, 
if  any  be  careless  and  unfaithful  to  what  they  are  con- 
vinced of,  and  so,  for  the  present,  bring  a  reproach  upon 
God's  Truth,  which  is  altogether  innocent  thereof ;  the 
Lord,  in  his  due  time,  will  wipe  off  that  reproach  from  his 
Truth  and  people;  but,  the  sorrow  and  burden  will  light 
upon  themselves,  which  will  be  very  bitter  and  heavy  to 

I 


130 


LETTERS 


OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


them,  in  the  day  that  the  Lord  shall  visit  them  with  his 
righteous  judgments, 

0  consider  rightly  and  truly !  It  had  been  better  for 
thee,  thou  hadst  never  known  Truth,  nor  been  directed 
to  the  principle  and  path  of  righteousness ;  than,  aftei 
direction  thereto,  to  turn  from  the  holy  commandments, 
and  deny  obedience  to  the  righteous  One.  The  Lord  give 
thee  true  sense  and  repentance,  if  it  be  his  holy  pleasure, 
and  raise  thee  out  of  this  world's  spirit,  to  live  to  him  in 
his  own  pure  Spirit.  It  is  easy  to  profess  and  make  a 
show  of  Truth,  but  hard  to  come  into  it.  It  is  very  hard 
to  the  earthly  mind,  to  part  with  that  Avhich  must  be 
parted  with  for  it,  before  the  soul  can  come  to  possess  and 
enjoy  it.  Profession  of  truth,  without  the  life  and  power, 
is  but  a  slippery  place,  which  men  may  easily  slide  from ; 
nay,  indeed,  if  men  be  not  in  the  life  and  power,  they  can 
hardly  be  kept  from  that,  which  will  stain  their  profes- 
sion. The  Lord,  who  searcheth  the  heart,  knows  how  it 
is  Avith  thee :  O  consider  thy  ways,  and  fear  before  him, 
and  take  heed  of  taking  his  name  in  vain,  for  he  will  not 
hold  such  guiltless ! 

1  am,  in  this,  faithful  and  friendly  to  thy  soul,  desiring 
its  eternal  welfare,  and  that  it  may  not  forever  perish  from 
the  presence  and  power  of  the  Lord.  I.  P. 


LETTER  XLVIIL 

Christ  the  Eesurrection  and  the  Life.    On  His  Appearance  in  the 
Flesh,  &c. 

Friend,  —  God  breathed  into  man  the  breath  of  life, 
and  man  thereby  became  a  living  soul  to  God,  to  whom 
by  transgression  he  died.    But  Christ  (who  was  before 


LETTERS   OP   ISAAC   PEXINGTON.  131 


Abraham,  aud,  in  due  time,  took  up  that  body  prepared 
by  the  Father,)  is  the  resurrection  aud  the  life,  who,  from 
the  Father,  breathes  life  into  man  again,  and  so  he  comes 
to  live  again.  And,  man,  being  quickened  by  Christ,  is 
to  rise  up  from  the  dead,  and  travel  with  Christ  into  the 
land  of  the  living.  And,  Christ  is  all  to  the  believers,  in 
whom  dwells  all  fulness ;  the  circumcision  is  in  him,  the 
baptism  in  him,  and  the  righteousness,  rest,  aud  peace 
also ;  yea,  in  him  are  all  the  treasures  of  wisdom  and 
knowledge ;  and,  he  is  made  of  God,  unto  them  that  be- 
lieve in  him,  wisdom,  righteousness,  sanctification,  and  re- 
demption. Now,  it  is  very  precious  to  feel  this ;  but,  of 
little  value  to  imagine  or  comprehend  apprehensions  about 
this.  For,  the  end  of  words  is  to  bring  men  to  the  thing  ; 
but,  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees,  by  their  apjirehensions 
upon  the  words  given  forth  by  the  Spirit,  missed  of  the 
thing :  (though,  they  thought  they  missed  not,  but  were 
blessed  in  the  knowledge  of  the  law,  and  they  that  knew 
not  the  law  were  cursed  ;)  and  the  same  sjnrit  is  alive  in 
many  that  profess  Truth  now,  who,  by  their  understanding 
of  Scripture  words,  are  kept  from  the  thing  which  the 
Scriptures  testify  of.  What  did  Christ  come  in  the  flesh 
aud  suffer  for,  but  to  unite  and  reconcile  to  God  ?  and, 
what*  is  the  antichristian  way  of  erring  from  the  Truth, 
but  to  cry  up  the  appearance  of  Christ  in  the  flesh,  his 
sufferings,  resurrection,  ascension,  &c.,  in  that  spirit, 
wherein  the  true  union  aud  reconciliation  is  not  witnessed  ? 
If  we  receive  the  light,  and  walk  in  the  light,  as  God  is  ia 
the  light,  then  have  we  a  share  in  his  Son's  death  and 
atonement,  and  his  blood  cleauseth  from  unrighteousness; 
but  not  otherwise. 

O  that  all  who  truly  desire  salvation,  might  know  the 
way  hither,  and  receive  that  from  God,  which  cleauseth 
and  keepeth  clean.    Ameu.  I.  P. 


132 


LETTEKS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


LETTER  XLIX. 

To  one  who  sent  a  Paper  of  Ricliard  Baxter's. 

Dear  Friend,  —  Whom  I  often  remember  with  love 
and  meltings  of  heart ;  desiring  of  God,  that  thou  mayest 
enjoy,  in  this  world,  what  of  his  presence  and  pure  life  he 
judgeth  fit  for  thee,  and  that  thy  soul  may,  after  this  life, 
sit  down  in  rest  and  peace  with  him  forever. 

I  received  from  thee  a  paper  of  Richard  Baxter's,  sent, 
I  believe,  in  love ;  and,  in  love,  am  I  pressed  to  return 
unto  thee  my  sense  thereof  It  seems  to  me  very  useful 
and  weighty  so  far  as  it  goes ;  but,  indeed,  there  is  a  great 
defect  in  it,  in  not  directing  sinners  to  that  principle  of 
life  and  power,  wherein  and  whereby  they  may  do  that, 
which  he  exhortetli  them  to  do.  For,  how  can  they  come 
to  a  true  sensibility  or  repentance,  or  join  in  covenant  with 
God  through  Christ,  until  they  know  and  receive  some- 
what from  God,  wherein  it  may  be  done?  O  my  dear 
Friend !  that  he,  and  thou,  and  all  who  in  any  measure 
turn  from  this  world,  and  do  indeed  desire  life  eternal, 
might  know  the  instruction  of  life,  and  feel  that  from  God 
wherein  he  is  known,  loved,  and  joined  with  in  coveriant; 
that  so,  there  might  be  a  pure  beginning,  a  pure  growth 
and  going  on  unto  perfection,  and  not  notions  concerning 
things  set  up  in  the  earthly  understanding,  which  easily 
2)utrefy  and  defile ;  but,  pure  life,  felt  and  enjoyed  in  the 
heart,  which  is  undefiled,  and  never  saw  nor  shall  see  cor- 
ruption. I  have  not  freedom  to  write  many  words ;  but, 
my  love  breathes  for  thee,  and  my  life  desires  fellowship 
with  thee,  (if  it  may  seem  good  unto  my  God,)  in  that 
which  is  pure  of  him,  and  will  remain  so  forever. 

And,  whatever  men  may  say  or  think  of  me,  I  have  no 
other  religion  now,  than  I  had  from  the  beginning ;  only, 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  133 


a  clearer  leading  into  and  guidance  by  that  principle  of 
life,  in  and  tlirougii  wliicli,  it  pleased  the  Lord  then  to 
quicken  me.  And  this  is  it,  which  I  have  daily  expe- 
rience of  in  ray  heart ;  that  it  is  no  less  than  the  light  of 
the  everlasting  day,  in  which  the  renewed  man  is  to  walk, 
and  no  less  than  the  life  of  the  Son,  (whom  God  gave  a 
ransom  for  sinners,)  which  can  quicken  man  so  to  do ; 
and,  none  but  Christ,  none  but  Christ,  by  his  life  revealed 
in  the  soul,  and  blood  shed  there  to  wash  it,  can  save  the 
poor  sinner  from  sin,  wrath,  and  misery ;  and,  my  hope  is 
not  in  what  I  have  done,  do,  or  can  do ;  but,  in  what  he 
hath  done  without  me,  and  also  doth  in  me. 

This  is  the  account  of  my  love  unto  thee,  drawn  forth 
at  this  time  by  the  outward  expression  of  thine  in  sending 
that  paper,  who  remain,  and,  from  my  first  acquaintance, 
have  ever  been,  a  Friend  and  lover  of  thee.  I.  P. 

Peter's  Chalfonte, 
19th  of  Sixth  Month,  1G65. 


LETTER  L. 

Of  the  Gospel  state  in  general,  and  of  the  state  of  Believers  in 
particular. 

Friend, — The  Lord  God  on  whom  I  wait,  and  whom  I 
worship  in  spirit  and  truth,  and  whom  it  is  my  delight  to 
serve  and  obey,  hath  divers  times  engaged  my  mind  to 
write  to  thee  in  true  and  tender  love.  There  is  somewhat, 
also,  on  ray  heart  at  this  time  to  thee,  concerning  the  state 
of  the  gospel,  in  general,  and,  in  particular,  concerning 
the  state  and  condition  of  those,  who  truly  know  and  serve 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  King  of  saints. 

The  state  of  the  gospel  in  general,  is  a  state  of  redemp- 
12 


134      LETTEES   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 

tion  and  deliverance  from  the  soul's  enemies;  of  which 
redemption  every  soul  partakes,  accordin-g  to  its  faith  in 
and  obedience  to  the  Truth,  and  according  to  its  growth, 
in  Him  who  is  true.  The  babes  in  Christ  and  little  chil- 
dren, their  sins  are  forgiven  them  for  His  name's  sake. 
The  young  men  have  fought  valiantly,  and  have  overcome 
the  wicked  one.  The  old  men,  or  elders  in  the  Truth, 
they  are  experienced  in  the  heavenly  wisdom  and  knowl- 
edge of  Him,  who  is  from  the  beginning. 

Now,  there  ai'e  some  things  which  belong  to  all  in  gen- 
eral, or  which  are  common  to  all,  and  somewhat  which  is 
peculiar  to  each  member  in  particular.  These  things, 
which  belong  to  all  in  general,  are  very  many;  but,  it  is 
only  on  my  heart  to  mention  to  thee  at  this  time  those  few, 
which  the  apostle  recites  together  in  Eph.  iv.  4,  5, 6,  which 
indeed  comprehend  much  ;  and,  he  that  knoweth  and  par- 
taketh  of  them,  hath  also  a  share  in,  and  benefit  by,  all 
the  rest.  First,  he  saith,  "  There  is  one  body."  There  is 
one  head  ;  and  this  one  head  hath  one  body,  of  which  all 
that  are  truly  living  are  members.  Secondly,  "  There  is 
one  Spirit,"  which  quickens,  keeps  alive,  and  gives  nour- 
ishment to,  ordereth,  comforteth,  defendeth  this  one  body. 
Thirdly,  "  There  is  one  hope  of"  their  "  calling  ; "  for  they 
are  all  called  from  the  land  of  darkness,  and  out  of  the 
shadow  and  dominion  of  death,  to  travel  towards  an  inher- 
itance of  light,  and  life  everlasting.  Fourthly,  There  is 
"  one  Lord,"  who  hath  power  over,  and  the  rule  and  do- 
minion of  this  one  body ;  to  whom  they  are  all  to  give  an 
account  daily  of  what  they  do,  and  at  the  last  day,  of  what 
hath  been  done  in  their  body  of  flesh.  Fifthly,  There  is 
"  one  faith,"  wherewith  they  all  believe  in,  and  draw  vir- 
tue from  the  head ;  which  faith  is  the  gift  of  God,  and 
springs  from  the  root  of  life  in  his  Son,  and  is  of  another 
nature  than  that  natural  ability  of  believing,  which  is 
found  in  mankind.    Sixthly,  There  is  "  one  baptism,"  by 


LETTERS    OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  135 


the  one  Spirit;  whereby,  all  the  true  members  are  bap- 
tized into  the  one  living  body,  and  come  to  partake  of  the 
virtue,  benefits,  and  privileges  thereof.  Lastly,  There  is 
"one  God  and  Father  of  all,"  who  begat  them  all,  and  is 
to  be  worshipped  by  them  all,  as  their  Lord  and  God ;  he 
being  witnessed  and  experienced  by  them  to  be  "  above 
all,  and  through  all,  and  in  "  them  "  all."  This  is  the  state 
in  general,  the  gospel  state,  into  whidi  Christ  gives  his 
sheep,  his  Father's  children,  entrance ;  and,  it  is  a  blessed 
thing  to  know  and  experience  this  state,  that  is,  to  have  a 
real  interest  in,  and  really  to  partake  of  these  things. 

The  state  of  every  one  in  particular  is  thus ;  "  Unto 
every  one  "  in  particular  "  is  given  grace,  according  to  the 
measure  of  the  gift  of  Christ."  Grace  and  truth  come  by 
Jesus  Christ ;  for  the  fulness  is  his,  yea,  he  is  the  fulness ; 
and  of  his  fulness  doth  he  give  a  measure  to  each  member 
in  particular.  Not  to  all  a  like  proportion,  but  to  every 
one  some ;  as  he  plcaseth  to  distribute  and  proportion  out 
the  gift  of  his  grace  to  them.  For,  it  is  his  own,  and  he 
may  dispense  his  gifts  and  heavenly  talents  as  he  plcas- 
eth ;  and,  according  to  the  state  of  each  in  the  body,  and 
according  to  their  work  and  service,  so  doth  he  proportion 
out  his  gift  of  grace  to  them.  Now,  this  is  that  which 
every  one  is  to  mind  ;  even,  the  grace  given  to  them,  their 
own  gift  from  Christ,  to  grow  in  that,  and  to  be  what  they 
are  in  that.  He  that  hath  none  of  this  grace,  he  is  none 
of  Christ's ;  and  he  that  hath  received  the  grace,  the  free 
gift,  he  is  to  keep  to  the  measure  of  it,  iu  all  he  is  and 
does. 

Now,  shall  I  say  to  thee,  feel  my  love  in  these  lines  ?  or, 
shall  I  not  rather  say,  feel  the  love  of  my  God,  who  visits 
thee  yet  again,  and  would  not  have  thee  perish,  iu  resist- 
ing his  Holy  Spirit,  and  slighting  the  grace  and  truth 
which  is  by  Jesus  Christ,  which  is  now  powerfully  revealed 
iu  many  hearts :  —  blessed  be  he,  who  hath  visited  his 
people  with  the  horn  of  salvation.  I.  P. 


136 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


LETTER  LI. 

On  Shunning  the  Cross. 
To  Catherine  Pobdage. 

Ah  !  my  poor,  distressed,  entangled  Friend,  while  thou 
seekest  to  avoid  the  suare,  tliou  deeply  runuest  into  it :  for, 
thou  art  feeding  on  the  tree  of  knowledge,  in  giving  way 
to  these  thoughts,  reasonings,  and  suggestions,  which  keep 
thee  from  obedience  to  that,  which  hath  been  made  mani- 
fest to  thy  understanding.  And  thou  mayest  well  be  feeble 
in  thy  mind,  while  thou  art  thus  separated  from  Him  who 
is  thy  strength,  and  lettest  in  his  enemy.  This  is  not  the 
right  feebleness  of  mind  which  God  jiities,  nor  the  right 
way  of  waiting  to  receive  strength.  Why  shouldst  not 
thou  act,  so  far  as  God  gives  theii  light  ?  and  why  shouldst 
thou  not  appear  willing  to  obey  him,  even  in  little  things, 
so  far  as  he  hath  given  thee  light?  What  if  I  should  say, 
that  all  this  is  but  the  subtlety  of  the  serpent's  wisdom  to 
avoid  the  cross,  and  is  not  that  simplicity  and  plainness 
of  heart  towards  God,  which  thou  takest  it  to  be ;  and  that 
thou  art  loath  to  be  so  poor,  and  low,  and  mean  in  the  eyea 
of  others,  as  this  practice  would  make  thee  appear  ? 

Thy  Friend  in  the  Truth,  and  in  sincere  love,    I.  P. 
Amersham, 
25111  of  Ninth  Month,  1675. 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PEKINGTON.  137 


LETTER  LII. 
On  Love,  Meekness,  and  Watching  over  each  other. 
To  Friends  in  Amersham. 

Friends,  —  Our  life  is  love,  and  peace,  and  tenderness ; 
and  bearing  one  with  another,  and  forgiving  one  another, 
and  not  laying  accusations  one  against  another  ;  but  pray- 
ing one  for  another,  and  helping  one  another  up  with  a 
tender  hand,  if  there  has  been  any  slip  or  fall ;  and  wait- 
ing till  the  Lord  gives  sense  and  repentance,  if  sense  and 
repentance  in  any  be  wanting.  O  !  wait  to  feel  this  spirit, 
and  to  be  guided  to  walk  in  this  spirit,  that  ye  may  enjoy 
the  Lord  in  sweetness,  and  walk  sweetly,  meekly,  ten- 
derly, peaceably,  and  lovingly  one  with  another.  And 
then,  ye  will  be  a  praise  to  the  Lord  ;  and  any  thing  that 
is,  or  hath  been,  or  may  be  amiss,  ye  will  come  over  in  the 
true  dominion,  even  in  the  Lamb's  dominion ;  and,  that 
which  is  contrary  shall  be  trampled  upon,  as  life  rises 
and  rules  in  you.  So,  watch  your  hearts  and  ways ;  and 
watch  one  over  another,  in  that  which  is  gentle  and  ten- 
der, and  knows  it  can  neither  preserve  itself,  nor  help 
another  out  of  the  snare ;  but  the  Lord  must  be  waited 
upon,  to  do  this  in  and  for  us  all.  So,  mind  Truth,  the 
service,  enjoyment,  and  possession  of  it  in  your  hearts ; 
and  so  to  walk,  as  ye  may  bring  no  disgrace  upon  it,  but 
may  be  a  good  savour  in  the  places  where  ye  live  —  the 
meek,  innocent,  tendei*,  righteous  life  reigning  in  you, 
governing  over  you,  and  shining  thi'ough  you,  in  the  eyes 
of  all  with  whom  ye  converse. 

Your  Friend  in  the  Truth,  and  a  dcsircr  of  your  wel- 
fare and  prosperity  therein,  I.  P. 

Aylesbury, 
4th  of  Third  Month,  1667. 
12* 


138      LETTBES   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


LETTER  LIII. 

On  the  Spiritual  Appearance  of  Christ. 

O !  Friend,  —  That  thou  hadst  the  true  sense  of  the 
drift  of  my  heart  in  writing  and  sending  things  to  thee  I 
—  which  is  and  hath  been  this — that  thou  mightst  be 
acquainted  with  that  of  God  in  the  heart,  wliicli  quickens 
to  him :  and,  in  the  light  of  that,  mightst  try  thy  heart 
and  ways,  and  so,  only  justify  in  thyself  what  God  justi- 
fies, and  let  all  else  go. 

Shall  the  Lord  appear  mightily  on  the  earth,  and  Israel 
not  know  him  ?  Shall  the  professors  of  this  age  under- 
stand no  more  his  appearance  in  Spirit,  than  the  Jews  did 
his  appearance  in  flesh  ?  Shall  they  stumble  at  the  very 
same  stumbling  stone?  Yes,  the  same  stumbling  stone  is 
laid,  for  that  wisdom  to  stumble  at,  as  in  all  generations; 
and,  there  is  no  avoiding  stumbling,  but  by  coming  out 
of  that  wisdom  into  babe-like  simplicity,  which  gives 
entrance  into  pure,  heavenly  wisdom.  And  this  I  dare 
afiirm,  as  in  God's  presence  and  in  his  pure  fear,  having 
received  the  sense  thereof  from  him  —  that  there  is  none 
that  opposeth  this  his  present  appearance,  (by  the  greatest 
knowledge  and  wisdom  of  their  comprehensions  from  the 
letter,)  but  would  also  have  opposed  and  denied  his 
appearance  in  that  body  of  flesh,  had  they  lived  in  that 
day.  For,  the  wisdom  which  they  gathered  from  the  letter 
did  not  reveal  Christ  in  that  day,  but  the  Father ;  and 
the  same  reveals  Him  in  this  day. 

O  that  thou  couldst  feel  the  pure  revelation  from  the 
Father  to  thy  heart !  O  wait  for  a  new  heart,  a  new  ear, 
a  new  eye !  even  to  feel  the  pure  in  thee,  and  thy  mind 
changed  by  the  pure,  that  all  things  may  become  new  to 
thee ;  the  Scri2)tures  new,  (they  are  so,  indeed,  when  God 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  139 


opens  them,)  duties  new,  ordinances  new,  graces  new, 
experiences  new ;  a  new  church  of  the  Spirit's  buikling, 
wherein  He  and  thy  soul  may  dwell  together ;  and  thou 
mayest  be  able  to  say,  in  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  This 
is  a  city  of  God's  own  building,  the  foundation  whereof  is 
laid  with  sapphires,  whose  walls  are  salvation,  and  its 
gates  praise!  !•  P- 

12th  of  Tliird  Month,  1669. 


LETTEK  LIV. 

To  one  under  Divine  Visitation. 

Oh!  dear  Friend,  —  The  eternal  love  of  my  Father 
is  to  thee;  and,  because  he  loves  thee,  and  would  entirely 
enjoy  thee,  therefore  doth  he  so  grievously  batter  and 
break  down  that  which  stands  in  the  way.  What  he  is 
doing  towards  thee,  thou  canst  not  know  now,  but  thou 
shalt  know  hereafter.  Only  be  still,  and  wait  for  the 
springing  up  of  hope,  in  the  seasons  the  Father  sees  neces- 
sary ;  that  thou  mayest  not  faint  under  his  hand,  but  be 
supported  by  his  secret  power,  until  his  work  be  finished. 
The  great  thing  necessary  for  thee  at  present  to  know,  is, 
the  drawings  of  his  Spirit ;  that  thou  mayest  not  igno- 
rantly  withstand  or  neglect  them,  and  protract  the  day  of 
thy  redemption. 

Oh  !  look  not  after  great  things  :  —  small  breathings, 
small  desires  after  the  Lord,  if  true  and  pure,  are  sweet 
beginnings  of  life.  Take  heed  of  despising  "the  day  of 
small  things,"  by  looking  after  some  great  visitation,  pro- 
portionable to  thy  distress,  according  to  thy  eye.  Nay, 
thou  niu.st  become  a  child,  thou  must  lose  thy  own  will 
quite  by  degrees.    Thou  must  wait  for  life  to  he  measured 


140      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON-. 


out  by  the  Father,  and  be  content  with  what  proportion, 
and  at  what  time,  he  shall  please  to  measure. 

Oh  !  be  little,  be  little;  and  then,  thou  wilt  be  content 
with  little;  and  if  thou  feel,  now  and  then,  a  check  or  a 
secret  smiting,  —  in  that  is  the  Father's  love  ;  be  not  over- 
wise,  nor  over-eager,  in  thy  own  willing,  running,  and 
desiring,  and  thou  mayest  feel  it  soj  and  by  degrees  come 
to  the  knowledge  of  thy  Guide,  who  will  lead  thee,  step 
by  step,  in  the  path  of  life,  and  teach  thee  to  follow,  and, 
in  his  own  season,  powerfully  judge  that  which  cannot, 
nor  will  not  follow.  Be  still,  and  wait  for  light  and 
strength ;  and  desire  not  to  know  or  comprehend  but  to 
be  known  and  comprehended  in  the  love  and  life,  which 
seeks  out,  gathers  and  preserves  the  lost  sheep. 

I  remain  thy  dear  Friend,  and  a  well-wisher  to  thy  soul, 
in  the  love  of  my  Father.  I.  P. 


LETTER  LV. 

The  Kingdom  of  God  within.  Of  tlie  New  Covenant.  Professors 
of  the  Day.  Trial  of  spii-its.  ExJiortatiou  to  wait  for,  and  walk 
in  the  Spirit. 

Dear  Friend, —  I  received  thy  letter  kindly,  and  in 
the  tenderness  of  lov^e,  which  desires  thy  enjoyment  of  the 
Lord  in  this  world,  and  the  eternal  welfai-e  of  thy  soul 
with  him  forever. 

It  is  a  great  matter,  to  have  the  mind  rightly  guided  to 
that  wherein  God  appears,  that  the  soul  may  wait  at  the 
posts  of  wisdom  to  hear  wisdom's  voice  ;  and  he  that  hears 
and  observes  wisdom's  voice,  what  saith  wisdom  concern- 
ing such  an  one ?  "I  will  pour  out  my  spirit  unto  you, 
I  will  make  known  my  words  unto  you."    Prov.  i.  23. 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  141 


Thou  liast  read  in  the  Scriptures,  of  the  kingdom  of 
God,  which,  Christ  told  the  Pharisees,  was  within  thera. 
He  also,  in  parables,  expressed  what  it  was  like ;  even, 
like  a  grain  of  mustard  seed,  like  a  pearl  of  great  price, 
like  a  lost  groat,  or  piece  of  silver,  like  a  treasure  hid  in  a 
field,  like  leaven,  &c.  Now,  O  that  thou  mightst  come 
to  the  discerning  of  this.  Is  there  any  such  thing  in  thee? 
Surely,  there  is.  Dost  thou  know  it?  art  thou  in  union 
with  it  ?  is  it  grown  and  enlarged  in  thee  ?  is  there  room 
made  for  it,  and  doth  it  overspread  thy  heart  ?  O  that  it 
were  thus  with  thee! 

Whereas  thou  sayest.  The  covenant,  the  new  covenant, 
is  contained  in  the  Scriptures;  that  expression  of  thine  is 
not  clear,  and  to  the  nature  of  the  thing.  There  are, 
indeed,  descriptions  of  the  covenant  in  the  Scriptures  ;  but, 
the  covenant  itself  is  an  agreement  of  life  and  peace,  made 
with  the  soul  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  upon  his  believing 
in  His  power  and  obeying  His  voice ;  according  to  that 
Scripture,  "  Hear,  and  your  soul  shall  live,  and  I  will 
make  an  everlasting  covenant  with  you,  even  the  sure 
mercies  of  David."  Isaiah,  Iv.  3.  Now,  this  is  it  the  soul 
is  to  wait  for ;  even  to  feel  the  power  of  life  breaking  the 
bonds  of  death,  and  opening  the  ear  to  the  voice  of  God's 
Spirit,  that  it  may  receive  the  impressions  thereof,  and 
feel  the  new  creation  inwardly,  the  new  heart,  the  new 
mind,  the  new  law  of  life,  written  within  by  the  finger  of 
God's  Spirit,  even  the  law  of  the  Spirit  of  life  in  Christ 
Jesus.  And  then,  this  law  is  the  rule  inwardly  as  the  out- 
ward law  was  the  rule  to  the  outward  Jews. 

Thou  thinkest  me  somewhat  too  sharp  and  severe,  in 
my  sentence  concerning  the  ministers  [of  the  day].  I  do 
not  remember  that  passage.  I  have  received  great  mercy, 
and  I  would  not  be  sharp  or  severe  towards  any.  If, 
therefore,  any  such  thing  was,  be  assured  it  was  in  faith- 
fulness to  the  Lord.    All  sorts  of  Christians  own  Christ 


142 


LETTERS   OF  ISAAC 


PENINGTON. 


in  words,  but  all  do  uot  distinguish,  discern,  [nor  are] 
subject  to  the  a])pearances  of  his  Spirit  and  power ;  but 
resist,  gainsay,  and  oppose,  through  error  and  mistakes  at 
first,  till  at  length  they  come  to  hardness.  These  are  the 
builders  who  refuse  the  Corner-stone.  The  builders  re- 
jected Christ's  appearance  in  flesh,  in  the  days  of  his  flesh ; 
and  the  builders  again  refuse  his  appearance  in  spirit,  in 
this  day  of  his  Spirit.  O  that  any  who  are  tender  among 
them  might  be  sensible  of  it,  that  they  might  uot  draw 
down  God's  severity  and  sharpness  upon  their  heads! 
which,  if  they  do,  it  is  not  our  joy,  but  matter  of  grief  to 
us.  And,  Friend,  the  state  of  profession  is  not  what  it 
was,  when  thou  and  I  were  acquainted ;  but,  a  withered 
state  in  comparison  of  that.  I  can  truly  say,  concerning 
many  professors,  O  that  I  could  find  them  to  be  now,  what 
they  were  twenty  years  ago  !  They  have  got  more  head- 
knowledge;  but,  that  savour  of  life,  v.'hich  then  was  in 
them,  is  not  now  to  be  found  among  them.  Truly,  I  speak 
not  otherwise  concerning  them,  but  as  I  feel  the  Spirit  of 
the  Lord  testifying  in  me ;  neither  would  I  have  men- 
tioned this  at  this  time,  but  for  thy  sake.  Whatever  is  of 
God  in  any,  my  heart  cannot  but  own :  but,  many  take 
that  to  be  of  God,  (that  fear,  that  faith,  that  love,  those 
prayers,  those  hopes,  that  peace,  that  joy,  &c.)  which  is 
not  of  him.  O  how  precious  is  that,  which  truly  and 
rightly  distinguisheth  !  "  My  sheep  hear  my  voice."  The 
voice  of  the  Shepherd  distinguisheth  every  deceit  and 
every  deceiver. 

But,  whereas  thou  sayest,  The  spirits  are  to  be  tried  by 
the  Scriptures ;  I  have  found  it  otherwise  in  my  expe- 
rience. The  Scriptures  may  try  words ;  but,  nothing  can 
try  spirits,  but  the  Sj^irit.  "  I  will  know,"  said  the  apos- 
tle, "  not  the  words  of  them  that  are  puffed  up,  but  the 
power."  Deceivers  may  come  with  Scripture  words  ;  but 
they  cannot  come  with  the  true  power.    Therefore,  the 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


143 


apostle  Jolin,  who  bade  the  believers  try  the  spirits,  told 
them,  they  had  an  unction  from  the  Holy  One,  and  pointed 
them  to  the  anointing.  1  John,  ii.  20  &  27.  But,  who 
can  judge  of  this,  but  he  that  hath  the  anointing,  and  is 
taught  of  the  Lord  to  try  things  by  it?  he  knows  how  it 
tries,  and  what  a  certain  judgment  it  gives  concerning  the 
nature  of  things,  and  concerning  every  voice  and  every 
appearance.  The  Spirit  of  God  searcheth  all  things,  dis- 
cerns all  things,  discovers  all  things, —  every  snare,  every 
device  of  the  enemy,  the  net  spread  ever  so  secretly ; 
blessed  are  they,  whose  eyes  are  opened  and  kept  open  by 
Him ! 

There  was  a  time  of  great  darkness  befell  me,  wherein 
all  that  I  had  known  and  formerly  experienced,  was  hid 
from  me ;  and  I  cried  out,  "  1  know  not  the  Lord ;  and 
yet,  I  cannot  live  without  him  ;  —  O  !  what  shall  I  do  ?  " 
&c.,  but  I  never  denied  Christ  to  be  the  way  of  salvation, 
in  my  deepest  darkness  and  distress.  And  now,  at  length, 
—  blessed  be  the  Lord !  —  I  have  lived  to  see  the  day, 
wherein  he  is  made  of  God,  wisdom,  righteousness,  sanc- 
tification,  and  redemption,  to  me ;  and  I  feel  his  blood 
sprinkled  and  overflowing,  which  makes  whiter  than 
snow  ;  and  find  him  to  be  the  mercy-seat,  through  whom  I 
have  access  to  God  ;  and  live  by  mercy  and  the  deep  com- 
passions of  God  towards  me,  which,  because  they  fail  not, 
but  are  daily  renewed  upon  me,  therefore  is  my  soul  pre- 
served in  life  before  my  God. 

O  wait  to  know  tiiat  wherein  the  Lord  inwardly 
appears !  and  take  up  the  cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
to  every  thing  that  is  contrary  to  God  ;  that,  it  all  may 
be  crucified  in  thee,  that  thy  soul  may  live  in  the  abuU' 
dance  of  life  and  peace.  God  is  not  straitened  to  any  of 
the  children  ;  O  that  none  of  them  may  be  straitened  in 
their  own  bowels !  And,  be  not  discouraged  because  of 
any  weakness,  or  because  of  thy  age.    What  kuowest 


144      LETTERS   or   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


thou,  what  the  Lord  will  do  for  thee?  Thy  weakness  is 
not  thy  disadvantage,  but  advantage  ;  for  the  weaker  thou 
art  in  thyself,  the  fitter  art  thou  to  have  Christ's  power 
revealed  and  manifested  in  thee.  Only  wait  to  know  that 
wherein  God  appears  in  thy  heart,  even  the  holy  seed,  the 
immortal  seed  of  life ;  that  that  may  be  discerned,  distin- 
guished and  have  scope  in  thee ;  that  it  may  spring  up  in 
thy  heart  and  live  in  thee,  and  gather  thee  into  itself,  and 
leaven  thee  all  over  with  its  nature ;  that  thou  mayest  be 
a  new  lump,  and  mayest  walk  before  God,  not  in  the  old- 
ness  of  thy  own  literal  knowledge  or  apprehensions  of 
things,  but  in  the  newness  of  his  Spirit. 

The  Lord  appear  to  thee,  in  the  light  and  demonstration 
of  liis  spirit  in  thy  heart  and  conscience, —  touch  thee, 
quicken  thee,  lead  thee, —  guide  and  make  thee  sensible 
of  every  appearance  of  his  ;  that  no  motion  or  drawing  of 
his  Spirit  may  be  quenched  in  thee,  nor  any  motion  of  the 
contrary  spirit,  under  any  deceivableness,  hearkened  to ; 
that  thou  mayest  travel  faithfully,  and  come  to  the  end 
of  thy  travels  with  joy  and  full  peace,  reaping  the  sheaves 
in  life  everlasting,  of  all  that  thou  hast  sown  to  the  Spirit. 

This  is  the  earnest  and  single  desire  of  my  soul  for  thee, 
who  am  thy  true  and  faithful  Friend,  and  au  hearty  well- 
wisher  to  thee  and  thine.  I.  P. 


LETTER  LVL 

Encouragement  to  look  up  to  the  Lord,  amidst  his  Chastenings  and 
the  Smitings  of  the  Enemy. 

Friend, —  Thy  advantage  in  thy  travels  is  great  over 
what  it  hath  been ;  the  Lord  having  given  thee  a  better 
sight  both  of  thy  enemies,  and  of  that  wherein  his  strength 
against  them  is  revealed. 


LETTERS   OP   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


145 


Now,  what  remains?  but  that  tliou  liope  in  him,  and 
breatlie  unto  him,  and  luuig  upon  him;  tliat  his  virtue 
may  flow  into  thee,  and  the  mountains  iuid  difficulties  may 
pass  away,  before  the  presence  of  the  Seed,  who  is  revealed 
in  thee.  Look  down  no  more,  look  out  no  more ;  but, 
dwell  with  thy  Beloved,  in  the  tent  that  he  hath  pitched 
for  thee.  Let*  him  do  what  he  will,  let  him  appear  how 
he  will,  wait  ou  him  in  the  daily  exercise ;  stand  still  in 
the  faith,  and  see  him  working  out  thy  salvation,  and 
scattering  the  bones  of  them  that  have  besieged  thee. 
Think  not  hardly  of  him,  by  no  means ;  question  not  his 
carrying  on  of  his  work.  He  knows  what  yet  he  hath  to 
do,  and  what  stratagem  the  enemy  yet  hath  to  surprise 
and  entangle  thee.  O  feel  his  arm  stretched  out  for  thee! 
and  be  not  so  much  discouraged,  in  the  sight  of  what  is 
yet  to  be  done,  as  comforted  in  his  good-will  towards  thee. 
'Tis  true,  he  hath  chastened  thee  with  rods  and  sore  afflic- 
tions ;  but,  did  he  ever  take  away  his  loving  kindness  from 
thee  ?  or  did  his  faithfulness  ever  fail  iu  the  sorest,  black- 
est, thickest,  darkest  night  that  ever  befell  thee?  And 
breathe  to  him,  for  the  carrying  ou  of  his  work  ;  that  thou 
mayest  feel  his  i)resence  and  life,  getting  dominion  over 
death  daily  in  thee,  more  and  more.  And  wait  to  feel 
strength  of  life,  that  thy  growth  may  be  pure,  and  the 
holy  seed  may  have  dominion  and  be  all  iu  thee.    I.  P. 

8th  of  the  Eightli  Montli,  IGCG. 

POSTSCRIPT. 

The  enemy  will  be  laying  snares,  and  forging  subtle 
devices  to  darken  and  bow  thee  down,  which,  (thou,  not 
being  hasty  to  believe,  join  with,  and  let  in  as  true,  but 
■waiting  on  the  Lord  in  singleness,  fear,  and  humility,) 
his  light  will  spring  up  in  thee,  and  help  thee  to  discern. 
And  oh  !  how  sweet  will  it  be  for  thee,  who  hast  so  often 
13  K 


1-16      LETTERS   OF    ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


been  ensnared,  to  escape  the  gins  and  nets  of  the  fowler, 
and  to  dwell  in  the  rest  and  peace,  which  thy  soul  hath 
tasted  of,  and  whi^li  is  the  proper  place  of  thy  habitation. 

Indeed,  the  Lord's  thoughts  have  not  been  towards  thee, 
as  thou  hast  apprehended  all  along.  His  anger  was  to- 
wards the  enemy,  towards  the  oppressor,  not  towards  thee. 
Nor  doth  He  judge  and  smite  the  mind,  after  that  manner 
that  the  enemy  doth  accuse ;  but,  according  to  his  own 
nature,  sweetness,  and  tender  love.  And,  His  judgments 
and  sraitings  have  other  effects,  than  the  serpent's  accus- 
ings  and  piercings ;  for,  they  do  not  drive  from  Him,  but, 
they  melt,  and  tender  and  prepare  the  heart  for  union  with 
Him.  O  !  keep  close  to  the  measure  of  life,  wherein  thou 
mayest  discern  and  distinguish  these  things  ;  and,  take 
heed  of  letting  in  one  bowing-down  thought,  (how  mani- 
fest or  demonstrative  soever,)  but  look  np  to  him  who  hath 
freely  loved,  and  hath  abounded  in  mercy  towards  thee ; 
that  in  the  faith,  patience,  stillness,  and  meekness  of  his 
seed,  thou  mayest  be  found  always  waiting  upon  him,  in 
the  several  exercises,  wherewith  he  shall  daily  see  good  to 
exercise  thee;  till  he  bring  lorth  his  seed  in  dominion  in 
thee,  and  thereby  give  thee  thy  desired  and  expected  end. 

I.  P. 

9tli  of  the  Eightli  Month,  1G66. 


LETTER  LVIL 

!)f  the  Gospel  Dispensation,  and  of  the  States  of  its  Professors. 

To  Colonel  Kenrick. 

The  gospel  dispensation  conf^ists  in  s^^irit  and  power. 
The  kingdom  which  Christ  and  his  apostles  preached, 
(which  the  true  believers  were  to  receive,  and  to  wait  for 
an  entrance  to  be  ministered  to  them  into,)  stood  not  in 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENIJ^GTON. 


147 


word,  but  in  power.  Now,  there  are  four  sorts  of  profes- 
sors of  the  Christian  religion  in  this  our  day,  one  sort 
whereof  only,  arc  acquainted  with  the  gospel  dispensation, 
•  First,  There  is  one  sort,  which  have  been  nurtured  in  a 
profession  of  Christianity  by  education,  and  have  improved 
ii,  by  study,  but  have  never  known  the  power,  virtue,  and 
inward  life  thereof;  but,  as  men,  with  the  man's  part,  wis- 
dom, understanding,  and  seriousness  of  mind,  have  con- 
sidered of  the  truth  and  weight  of  things  contained  in  the 
Scriptures,  and  so  have  received  somewhat  of  the  holy 
doctrine  into  their  natural  understanding,  and  given  them- 
selves up  to  the  observation  and  practice  thereof,  accord- 
ing as  they  have  apprehended  and  understood  things. 
These  have  become  more  serious  and  excellent  men  than 
others,  but  fall  very  far  short  of  the  nature  and  state  of 
Christianity ;  yea,  the  strictest  among  these,  many  times, 
become  the  greatest  opposers  and  persecutors  of  true  Chris- 
tianity. 

Secondly,  There  are  some  who  have  had  a  taste  of  the 
true  power,  and  have  had  living  desires  and  breathings 
after  it,  and  a  sense  of  the  preciousness  and  excellency  of 
it;  who  have  also  felt  the  quickening  Spirit,  and  began 
therein  ;  and  yet,  have  afterwards  lost  that  sense,  and  cen- 
tered in  a  literal  knowledge  and  wisdom  about  those  very 
things,  which  they  had  once  some  living  experience  of. 
These  are  like  salt,  which  hath  lost  its  savour ;  and  it  is 
hard  for  them  ever  to  be  seasoned  again  ;  and  from  among 
these,  do  rise  the  greatest  persecutors  and  bitterest  perse- 
cution against  the  life,  Trutii,  and  power. 

Thirdly,  There  are  some,  who,  though  they  never  came 
to  the  distinct  knowledge  of  the  ^jower,  yet  have  had  a 
great  sense  of  their  want  of  it,  and  have  abqde  in  that 
sense  ;  and,  in  all  the  ways  and  forms  of  religion  they  have 
been  or  are  in,  still  seek  after  it ;  and  reckon  no  form  any- 
thing, but  as  the  power  in  some  measure  appears  in  it ;  and 


148 


LETTERS   OF  ISAAC 


PENINGTON. 


the  cry  of  their  souls  is  daily  after  it,  and  their  waiting  is 
fur  it.  These,  wherever  they  are,  are  of  the  true  seed ; 
these  are  the  birth  of  the  heaveuly  Spirit  and  wisdom ; 
these  are  sheej)  of  the  true  Shepherd's  fold,  though  not  yet 
gathered  home  to  the  fold  to  wliieh  they  properly  belong. 
These  are  the  broken,  the  bruised,  the  sick,  the  wounded,  the 
captives,  the  distressed,  the  poor,  the  naked,  &c.,  to  whom 
the  gospel  of  peace,  the  gathering,  the  salvation,  and  redemp- 
tion belongs.  And,  the  bleating  of  these  is  known  ;  yea, 
their  longing  and  cry  after  the  redeeming  and  gathering 
power  of  the  Shepherd,  is  felt ;  however  they  may  be,  at 
present,  prejudiced  against  that  very  dispensation  of  Truth, 
life,  and  power,  whereby  the  Shepherd  gathers. 

Fourthly,  There  are  some,  whom  God  hath  brought  to 
the  distinct  sense  and  knowledge  of  the  power.  There  are 
some,  whose  minds  God  hath  turned  to  the  inward  light 
and  power.  There  are  some,  whom  the  Shepherd  hath 
gathered  home  to  the  Father's  house,  where  is  bread 
enough,  and  to  the  true  fold,  where  is  rest  and  peace 
enough  —  some,  who  have  seen  an  end  of  all  perfection,  in 
the  legal  comprehendings  and  creaturely  strivings  after  life, 
righteousness,  and  holiness,  and  are  come  to  the  command- 
ment which  is  exceeding  broad,  and,  wherein  is  life  ever- 
lasting. Now,  these  experience  somewhat  of  the  gospel 
dispensation,  and  know  the  difference  between  being  under 
the  law  and  under  grace  ;  and  can  tell,  what  the  kingdom 
is,  which  Christ  preached  and  bade  men  seek ;  and  what 
the  gospel  is,  which  the  poor  in  spirit  receive;  and  what 
the  healing  is,  which  drops  from  under  the  wing  of  the 
Saviour  and  Redeemer.  And,  they  can  tell  what  justifi- 
cation is,  and  what  sanctification,  regeneration,  and  re- 
demption is  ;  and  can  distinguish  between  truth  as  testified 
in  the  letter,  and  as  it  is  in  Jesus ;  between  the  law  of 
the  letter,  and  the  law  of  the  Spirit,  Avhich  is  written  in 
the  new  heart  and  mind,  by  the  finger  of  God's  pure  and 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  149 


living  power.  Now,  the  kuowledge  of  these,  the  faith  of 
these,  the  peace,  the  joy,  the  jiistifioatiou,  and  sanctifica- 
tion,  and  redemption  of  these,  differs  greatly  from  all  the 
former ;  from  the  two  first  sorts  in  nature  and  kind,  from 
the  latter  in  degree,  clearness,  and  purity.  For,  though 
all  the  sheep  of  the  ti'ue  Shepherd  have  somewhat  of  the 
true  kuowledge,  somewhat  of  the  true  faith,  somewhat  of 
the  true  justification,  somewhat  of  the  true  sanctification, 
and  may  at  times  have  some  taste  of  true  peace  and  joy, 
and  have  true  breathings  and  supplications  in  their  spirits 
towards  their  Father  that  begat  them ;  yet,  they  are  not 
clear,  they  are  not  pure,  they  are  not  unmixed ;  there  is  a 
great  deal,  which  is  not  true,  which  passeth  for  true  with 
them ;  because,  they  are  not  come  to  the  anointing,  to 
the  eye-salve  which  opens  the  eye,  nor  to  the  Spirit  of 
judgment  and  burning,  which  separates  inwardly  in  the 
heart,  understanding,  mind,  and  judgment,  between  the 
precious  and  the  vile.  So  that,  when  they  speak  of  the 
heavenly  things,  they  do  but  stutter  and  stammer ;  and 
though  truth  can  sometimes  own  their  sense,  yet,  many 
times,  not  their  words  ;  there  is  such  a  mixture  of  the  dark, 
earthly  comprehension  in  them,  which  they  are  not  deliv- 
ered and  redeemed  from.  But,  it  is  otherwise  with  those, 
■who  are  turned  to  the  light  and  power  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  and  have  knowu  it,  and  been  exercised,  fanned, 
and  purged  by  it :  for,  in  them,  the  blind  eye  is  opened, 
the  deaf  ear  unstopped ;  and,  to  them,  the  pure  under- 
standing and  language  is  given,  whereby  they  know  and 
understand,  not  only  words  concerning  Him,  but  Him 
hhmelf  who  is  true,  and  are  in  him  that  is  true,  even  iu 
Him,  who  is  ihe  very  God  and  life  dcrnal. 

Yet,  there  are  different  states  among  those,  who  are 
thus  efi'ectually  called  and  gathered  home,  according  to 
their  growth  in  the  Truth,  and  faithfulness  to  it.    For,  if 
there  be  not  a  great  cai-e  and  watchfulness,  there  may  be 
13* 


150      LETTERS   OP   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


a  neglecting  to  hear  the  voice  of  the  Sliepherd,  and  to  walk 
with  him  :  and  then,  such  miss  of  the  pastures  of  life,  and 
of  the  inne  rest,  joy,  and  peace,  which  he  administers  to 
others  ;  and  of  the  garment  or  covering  of  the  Spirit,  which 
they,  who  live  and  walk  in  the  Spirit,  (in  everything  giv- 
ing up  to  the  Spirit,  and  denying  all  the  lusts  and  fruits 
of  the  flesh,)  daily  find  themselves  covered  with.  Nor 
doth  God  so  "  dwell  in  them  and  walk  in  them,"  as  he 
doth  in  those,  that  remain  separate  from  all  evil,  (from 
which  the  Spirit  of  judgment  and  burning  purifies  and  sepa- 
rates,) and  touch  no  unclean  thing.  Yea,  they  who  grieve 
Christ's  Spirit,  and  do  not  heed  his  call  and  knock.s,  he 
doth  not  so  sup  with  them,  nor  they  with  him  ;  nor  do 
such  partake  so  of  the  river  of  life  and  wine  of  the  king- 
dom, as  those  whose  ear  is  open  to  him,  and  who  are  always 
ready  to  obey  and  follow  him  "  whithersoever  he  goeth." 

I.  P. 

19th  of  Fourth  Month,  1G73. 


LETTER  LVIII. 

On  the  Lord's  Supper  with  Believers. 

To  Widow  Hemmings. 

My  dear  Friend,  —  Whom  I  truly  love,  and  whose 
prosperity  in  the  Truth  I  earnestly  desire.  Because  I 
find  thy  mind  much  engaged  about  one  thing,  to  wit,  re- 
ceiving bread  and  wine  in  remembrance  of  Christ's  death, 
which  I  am  tender  to  thee  in  ;  yet  withal,  it  is  on  my  heart 
at  this  time  to  say  somewhat  to  thee;  perhaps  the  Lord 
may  open  thy  mind,  and  let  thee  into  some  sense  of  the 
thing. 

There  is  a  supper,  or  supping  with  Christ,  beyond  out- 


liETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  151 


ward  bread  and  wine,  which  he  promised  to  those  that 
heard  his  voice,  opened  the  door,  and  let  him  in.  Rev.  iii. 
20.  Now,  it  is  that  supper,  it  is  the  desire  of  my  heart, 
thou  mayest  be  acquainted  with  and  partake  of.  And  as 
thou  comest  to  be  acquainted  with  it  and  partake  of  it, 
thou  wilt  call  it  the  feast  of  fat  things,  and  of  wines  on 
the  lees  well  refined.  Christ  said.  Henceforth  I  will  drink 
no  more  of  th  is  fr  u  it  of  the  vine ;  till  I  drink  it  new  tvith  you 
in  my  Father's  kingdom.  What  wine,  what  fruit  of  the 
vine  is  it  which  Christ  drinks  new  with  his  disciples  in  his 
Father's  kingdom  ?  Is  it  not  that  wine,  which  he  and 
they  drink  now  together,  when  he  sups  with  them  ?  O  ! 
the  Lord  give  thee  an  understanding,  that"  thou  mayest 
come  to  the  substance,  feel  substance,  and  inhecit  substance 
forever. 

"  Flee  from  idolatry,  my  dearly  beloved,"  said  the 
apostle,  1  Cor.  x.  14.  What  idolatry  did  he  mean ?  "I 
speak  as  to  wise  men;"  said  he,  "judge  ye  what  I  say. 
The  cup  of  blessing  which  we  bless,  is  it  not  the  com- 
munion of  the  blood  of  Christ?  The  bread  which  we 
break,  is  it  not  the  communion  of  the  body  of  Christ?" 
About  the  outward  cup  and  bread,  might  they  not  easily 
run  into  idolatry  ?  but  they  that  knew,  discerned,  and 
minded  the  body  and  blood  indeed,  they  did  not  run  into 
idolatry.  "  For  we,  being  many,  arc  one  bread  and  one 
body ;  for  we  are  all  partakers  of  that  one  bread."  O 
deep,  deep,  indeed !  The  bread  which  comes  down  from 
heaven,  that  is  the  bread  which  gives  life  to  the  soul :  and, 
unless  we  eat  the  flesh  of  the  Son  of  man  and  drink  his 
blood,  we  have  no  life  in  us.  And,  if  we  eat  his  flesh  and 
drink  his  blood,  we  become  one  flesh  with  him,  and  bone 
of  his  bone ;  yea,  we  become  of  the  same  bread  with  him, 
and  so,  of  the  one  body  of  the  living  bread. 

My  dear  Friend,  the  Lord  give  thee  an  understanding, 
and  open  thy  heart,  and  cause  thee  to  grow  into  union 


152       LETTERS   OF    ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


and  into  seiiso  of  hi.s  Truth  ;  that  by  growing  up  in  the 
Truth,  thou  n^.ayest  come  more  and  more  to  understand  it, 
and  be  uc(|ua!nted  with  it. 

Thy  unfeigned  Friend  iu  the  Truth,  which  is  pure. 

I.  P. 

Eeading  Gaol, 
3d  of  Sixth  Moiitli,  1670. 


LETTER  LIX. 

Respecting  tlie  Payment  of  Titlies. 
To  James  Eeles. 

Friend,  —  God  is  my  witness,  to  whom  I  must  give  an 
account  of  all  my  actions,  that  it  is  my  desire  to  be  found 
iu  all  true  love,  courtesy,  and  righteousness,  in  my  deal- 
ings towards  all  men ;  and  that  I  would  by  no  meaus 
deny  any  man  his  just  due,  which  he  can  by  any  just  law 
or  right  claim  from  me. 

Now,  as  touching  tithes,  the  payment  or  refusing  of 
them  is  to  me  a  matter  of  conscience,  weighty  on  my  heart 
before  the  Lord ;  and  I  would  do  therein  as  he  might 
justify,  and  not  condemn  me.  I  know,  tithes  were  ordained 
by  God,  to  be  paid  to  the  Levitical  priesthood,  under  the 
law :  but,  the  same  power  that  ordained  them  under  the 
law,  disannulled  them  under  the  gospel.  Heb.  vii.  12  & 
18.  Here  is  God's  power  and  authority  for  disannulling 
them.  Now,  that  any  man  or  men  have  true  right,  power, 
and  authority  to  set  up  or  require  to  be  paid,  under  the 
gospel,  what  God's  power  hath  disannulled, —  indeed,  I  do 
not  see ;  nor  can  I  be  subject  to  any  human  authority  or 
law  in  this  thing,  without  sinning  against  God,  and  incur- 
ring his  wrath  upon  my  soul ;  which  I  have  formerly  found 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  153 


very  dreadful,  aud  would  not,  for  fear  of  sufferings  in  this 
world,  expose  myself  to  the  bearing  of.  Besides,  Christ 
saith,  "He  that  denies  me  before  men,  him  will  I  deny 
before  my  Father."  He  is  the  substance  of  all  the  figures 
under  the  law  ;  he  hath  put  an  end  to  them  ;  he  is  King, 
Priest,  and  Prophet  in  the  church  of  God ;  all  power  in 
heaven  and  earth  is  given  to  him,  and  he  sent  forth  his 
ministers  without  tithes.  Now,  tithes  were  set  up  in  the 
dark  time  of  popery,  and  not  by  the  gospel  light ;  aud, 
they  who  know  the  gospel  light,  dare  not  be  subject  to 
that,  which  was  set  up  in  matters  of  religion  by  the  dark 
power  of  Rome,  in  the  time  of  darkness. 

I  was  willing  to  give  thee  this  plain  and  naked  account, 
that  thou  mayest  see  how  weighty  the  thing  is  with  me, 
aud  how  dangerous  it  would  be  to  me,  to  do  what  thou 
requirest  of  me ;  for,  in  so  doing,  I  should  lose  my  peace 
with  God,  I  should  be  unfaithful  to  the  testimony  he  hath 
given  me  to  bear,  I  should  dishonour  his  name  and  Truth, 
and  bring  his  sore  wrath  and  displeasure  upon  my  soul 
and  conscience.  Judge,  thyself,  in  this  matter ;  whether 
I  had  not  better  expose  myself  to  any  outward  sufferings, 
though  evef  so  great,  (either  from  thee,  or  any  thou  shalt 
make  use  of,)  than  expose  my  soul  to  so  great  inward 
misery  aud  sufferings,  for  disobedience  to  the  Lord  in  this 
particular.  Consider  Ralph  Trumper,*  a  just,  tender, 
houcst-hearted  man, —  how  much  he  hath  suffered  in  this 
respect,  to  keep  his  conscience  clear  in  this  thing ;  who,  I 
believe,  would  rather  suffer  all  his  former  losses  ten  times 
over  again,  than  suffer  what  he  did,  (to  my  knowledge,) 
for  paying  tithes,  after  he  was  convinced  of  the  evil  and 
unlawfulness  of  it.  I  do  not  contend  with  thee  by  the 
law  of  the  land  ;  but,  1  must  be  subject  to  the  law  of  God, 
who  shows  me  from  what  root  tithes  came ;  and  that  they 
are  not  the  maintenance  of  the  ministry  of  Christ,  or 

*See  Besse's  Sufferings  of  Friends,  Vol.  1st,  pages  78,  79. 


154 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


allowed  by  Christ ;  but,  the  maintenance  of  the  ministry 
Rome's  power  set  up,  both  which  ministry,  and  its  main- 
tenance, is  to  be  denied  and  witnessed  against,  by  those, 
whom  he  calls  forth  to  testify  to  his  Truth  in  these  things. 

So,  at  present,  I  say  no  more ;  but  remain  thy  Friend, 
ready  to  do  thee  any  good,  though  I  should  sufi'er  ever  so 
deeply  from  thee.  I.  P. 

25th  of  Fourth  Month,  1677. 


LETTER  LX. 

On  Election,  and  on  Falling  away.    Of  our  own  Righteousness 
and  of  Christ's  in  us. 

To  Ruth  Palmer. 

My  dear  Friend, — Whose  love  I  am  sensible  of,  and 
whom  I  entirely  wish  well  unto,  and  desire  for  thee,  that 
thou  mayest  purchase  and  possess  the  pearl  of  grice ;  and 
so  know  and  enjoy  Christ  Jesus,  the  Lord,  as  that  thou 
mayest  witness  him  to  be  eternal  life  to  thy  soul. 

I  received  a  letter  from  thee,  which  occasions  this  my 
Avriting  to  thee.  It  is  precious,  indeed,  to  have  the  Spirit 
of  God  witness  to  us,  that  our  sins  are  pardoned.  And 
they  who  are  truly  pardoned,  to  whom  the  Spirit  so  wit- 
nesseth,  receive  the  Spirit;  indeed,  all  that  are  Christians 
receive  the  Spirit ;  for,  he  that  hath  not  the  Spirit  of 
Christ,  is  none  of  His.  And  where  the  Spirit  is,  there  is 
He  who  hath  power  over  sin,  who  delights  to  exercise  his 
power  in  mortifying  and  subduing  sin,  and  in  reigning 
and  triumphing  over  it.  Now,  they  that  have  received 
the  Spirit,  are  to  live  in  the  Spirit,  and  walk  in  the  Spirit ; 
and,  doing  so,  they  cannot  fulfil  the  lusts  of  the  flesh,  nor 


LETTERS   OI-''  ISAAC  PENINOTON. 


155 


love  the  world,  nor  the  things  of  the  world,  nor  iksliion 
themselves  according  to  it,  but  are  redeemed  out  of  it,  in 
heart,  spirit,  life,  and  conversation,  up  to  God.  O  my 
Friend  !  let  no  religion  satisfy  thee,  but  that  which  brings 
thee  hither,  and  which  brings  forth  this  fruit  in  thee.  We 
must  needs  own  Christ  to  be  the  spring,  and  that  we  can 
do  nothing  without  him,  but  only  by,  and  in,  and  tlirough 
him  ;  because  we  daily  experience  it  to  be  so. 

As  touching  election,  we  do  believe  it,  according  as  the 
Lord  hath  taught  us,  and  as  the  Scriptures  express  it : 
but,  such  an  election,  as  shuts  out  any  from  the  salvation 
God  bath  prepai'ed  for  the  sons  of  men,  we  cannot  own ; 
because  the  Scriptures  expressly  testify  that  God  "  would 
have  all  to  be  saved,  and  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the 
Truth."  Yea,  also,  we  know  it  to  be  his  nature.  It  is 
the  nature  of  the  destroyer  to  destroy,  —  he  would  have 
none  saved ;  but,  it  is  the  nature  of  God,  the  Saviour,  to 
save,  —  he  would  have  none  perish,  But,  as  there  is  a 
making  the  calling  and  the  election  sure,  so,  there  is  first 
a  coming  into  the  calling  and  into  the  election.  Now,  the 
election  cannot  perish,  nay,  the  elect  Seed  cannot  be  de- 
ceived. And,  as  we  are  chosen  in  him,  and  come  into 
him,  (out  of  darkness*  in  his  marvellous  light,  out  of 
death  into  his  life,)  so,  we  must  abide  in  him :  and  the 
promise  is  to  him,  that  continues  unto  the  end.  And 
Christ  said  to  the  church  of  Ephesus,  "  Remember  from 
whence  thou  art  fallen,  and  repent,  and  do  the  first  works  : 
or  else,"  &c. :  and  mind,  what  a  state  they  fell  from,  and 
how  far  they  were  fallen,  when  so  severely  threatened. 
It  was  not  wholly ;  it  was  but  from  the  first  love  and  first 
works ;  and  yet,  if  they  repented  not,  how  great  was  their 
danger. 

As  for  that  place  of  Rom.  xi.,  it  is  manifest,  that  there 
is  an  election,  and  that  this  election  is  not  of  works,  but 
of  grace.    Yet  there  must  be  a  hearing  of  the  voice; 


156       LETTERS    OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


"  To-tlivy,"  said  tlie  apof^tle,  "if  ye  will  hear  liis  voice;" 
and  so,  there  must  be  a  coming  to  Christ,  uud  an  abiding 
in  hira,  and  a  walking  in  the  strait  v,  ay ;  for,  it  is  the  way 
God  chooseth.  God  hath  chosen  Christ,  and  the  soul  in 
him ;  and  the  message  is,  to  invite  to  come  to  him,  and 
abide  in  him  to  the  end.  And  the  coudemuation  is,  upon 
rejecting  him,  and  the  salvation,  to  them  that  receive  him, 
which  is  not  of  man's  self  neither,  but,  men  are  made 
willing  so  to  do,  in  the  day  of  God's  power;  and  the 
power  is  not  far  from,  or  wanting  to  any,  in  the  way  that 
the  Lord  hath  appointed ;  though  there  are  also  the 
ahoundings  of  love,  mercy,  and  power  according  to  his 
pleasure.  The  falling  away  is,  not  because  persons  were 
not  elected,  but  because  they  let  in  that,  which  is  contrary 
to  the  election,  and  cleave  to  it.  So,  there  is,  a  "  heart  of 
unbelief,"  in  which  men  depart  from  the  living  God,  and 
make  shipwreck  of  faith  and  of  a  good  conscience ;  and 
the  ground  of  their  falling  is,  their  hearkening,  not  to  the 
Lord,  but  to  the  voice  and  temptations  of  the  enemy. 
There  are  called,  and  faithful,  and  chosen.  These  are 
states,  to  be  come  into  and  abode  in.  Many  may  be 
called,  who  never  come  to  be  faithful,  nor  chosen.  To 
witness  the  peculiar  choice  of  God,  ijiis  is  precious  :  —  and 
then,  not  to  be  content  with  a  touch  of  the  calling,  or  a 
touch  of  the  election,  but  to  "  make  "  them  "  sure."  There 
is  no  choosing,  but  in  the  seed.  Make  sure  of  that  seed, 
and  thou  makest  both  thy  "  calling  and  election  sure." 
For  indeed,  "  many  are  called,  but  few  chosen."  And 
yet,  when  a  man  comes  thus  far,  so  as  to  know  himself 
chosen,  is  he  quite  out  of  danger?  Did  not  Paul  know 
his  election  sure?  yet,  was  he  not  afterwards  careful  to 
keep  that  under  and  in  subjection,  which  was  to  be  kept 
under  and  in  subjection  ?  "lest,"  saith  he,  "when  I  have 
preached  to  others,  I  myself  should  be  a  castaway." 
Thou  sayest.  Whom  God  once  loves,  he  loves  to  the 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  157 


end.  Did  he  not  once  love  all  men,  even  the  whole 
world  ?  Did  he  not  manifest  it,  in  sending  his  Son  for 
them?  And  they  that  come  into  his  Son,  they  come  into 
his  love;  and  they  that  come  into  his  love,  must  continue 
in  his  love  and  in  his  goodness.  For,  it  is  not  persons, 
("God  is  no  respecter  of  persons,")  but  the  seed,  God 
loves.  "  In  thy  seed  shall  all  the  families  of  the  earth  bo 
blessed;"  and,  in  that  seed,  they  are  loved,  and  continu- 
ing there,  they  contiiuie  in  the  love.  It  is  true,  God's 
grace  appears,  and  thereby  many  are  gathered.  And 
when  any  fall,  the  grace  of  God  appears  again,  and 
thereby  many  arc  restored.  But,  if  any  be  hardened  by 
"  the  deceitfuluess  of  sin,"  that  they  hearken  not  to  the 
voice  of  grace,  when  it  comes  to  restore,  are  they  restored 
by  it?  And,  God's  compassions  failed  not  to  Israel  of 
old,  nor  to  Israel  now ;  yet,  were  none  consumed  then, 
who,  though  they  came  out  of  Egypt,  yet  rebelled,  and 
lusted,  and  tempted  Christ,  &c.,  and  so,  were  destroyed 
of  the  destroyer !  And  so,  do  none  make  shipwreck  of 
faith  now,  whereby  the  standing  is?  as  the  apostle  ex 
presseth,  Rom.  xi.  19,  20,  21,  22.  Read,  and  consider. 
And  the  apostle,  in  the  sense  of  things,  cries,  "  O  the 
depth  !  "  &c.  Love  in  severity,  mercy  in  severity  !  If  it 
be  stopped  one  way,  it  will  break  forth  more  abundantly 
in  another  way.  And,  "  who  hath  known  the  mind  of  the 
Lord,"  or  given  him  counsel,  which  way  he  should  man- 
age his  love  and  mercy?  as  in  ver.  33,  34,  of  that  11th 
chapter.  Indeed,  all  the  salvation  is  to  be  ascribed  to 
God,  and  is  ascribed  to  God  by  all  that  receive  salvation 
from  him  ;  but  still,  God  saves  in  the  way  he  has  appoint- 
ed, (in  coming  into  the  way,  in  abiding  in  the  way,  in 
walking  in  the  way,)  —  there  alone  is  safety  ;  but,  out  of 
it,  death  and  destruction  forever. 

All  oar  best  I'ighteousness  is  as  filthy  rags,  it  is  true; 
but,  the  gift  of  God  is  not  as  filthy  rags,  the  righteousness 
14 


158 


LETTERS   OF  ISAAC 


PENINGTON. 


of  his  Son  revealed  in  the  heart,  is  not  as  filthy  rags. 
The  pure  offerings  and  incense,  which  are  offered  up  to 
God  in  the  times  of  the  gospel,  are  not  as  filthy  rags.  See 
Mai.  i.  11  ;  aud  consider  whether  he  that  offers  up  to  God 
the  male,  offers  up  a  corrupt  thing,  a  filthy  rag,  or  no,  ver. 
14.  O  what  a  state  of  blindness  are  many  in,  that  they 
cannot  distinguish  between  what  is  of  themselves,  aud 
what  is  of  God  in  them  ;  and  so,  avoid  offering  up  the 
corrupt  thing,  and  offer  up  that  which  is  holy  and  pure, 
even  the  holy  sacrifice,  with  the  holy  fire,  upon  the  altar 
of  God !  Consider  3d  ch.  3d  verse  of  Malachi ;  and  tell 
nie,  if  thou  knowest,  what  an  ofieriug  in  righteousness  is, 
whether  it  be  as  filthy  rags,  or  no.  Consider  that  place', 
John,  iii.  21.  "He  that  doeth  truth  cometh  to  the  light, 
that  his  deeds  may  be  made  manifest,  that  they  are 
wrought  in  God."  And  what  are  those  deeds  that  are 
wrought  in  God?  Is  not  God  holy  aud  pui'e?  And  is 
any  thing  wrought  in  him,  but  what  is  holy  aud  pure? 
Aud  mind  that  place,  where  the  prophet  speaks,  "  All  our 
righteousnesses  are  as  filthy  rags,"  etc.  Mind  ver.  5,  and 
ver.  6,  of  Isaiah  Ixiv.,  and  see  if  they  be  not  two  different 
states?  None  of  those,  whose  righteousness  was  as  filthy 
rags,  called  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord,  ver.  7.  Did  uot 
the  prophet  call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord?  The  prophet 
there  represents  the  state  of  backsliding  Israel,  that  did 
uot  remember  God  in  his  waj's,  nor,  through  faith,  work 
righteousness,  as  some  others  did,  ver.  5 ;  all  their  offer- 
ings, all  their  sacrifices  out  of  the  faith,  was  as  filthy  rags, 
as  the  cutting  off  of  a  dog's  neck,  &c. ;  but  the  offering  of 
Abel,  and  the  sacrifice  of  the  righteous  were  not  so,  in 
any  age  or  generation.  Therefore,  we  should  wait  rightly 
to  distinguish  things,  and  not  jumble  the  precious  and  the 
vile  together,  as  if  they  were  all  one. 

As  for  method  of  speaking,  I  have  none  of  my  own, 
but  wait  for  the  method  and  words,  which  God's  wisdom 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


159 


teaclietli.  Indeed,  when  I  speak  of  the  light,  and  the 
life,  and  the  power,  I  do  mean  Chriiit  Jesus,  who  is  the 
light,  life,  and  power ;  but,  it  is  a  great  matter,  to  come 
to  know  him  so  revealed  in  the  heart ;  for,  where  he  is  so 
revealed,  darkness  and  death,  and  the  power  of  Satan,  is 
scattered  and  put  to  flight  by  him.  Yea,  Satan  falls  like 
lightning  before  the  power  of  his  kingdom,  where  it  is 
revealed. 

This  is  a  blessed  experience  ;  and  these  know  Christ 
indeed.  The  Lord  grant  that  thou  niayest  so  do !  which 
is  the  hearty  desire  of  thy  soul's  true  and  faithful  Friend, 

I.  P. 


LETTER  LXL 

To  his  brother  Arthur,  who  became  a  Koman  Catholic. 

Dear  Brother,  —  I  have  been  a  traveller  after  the 
Lord  from  my  childhood,  and  great  misery  have  I  under- 
gone for  want  of  him.  That  which  I  wanted,  was  his 
Spirit,  life,  virtue,  and  redeeming  pqwer  to  be  revealed  in 
my  own  heart.  O  blessed  be  the  Lord  I  beyond  my  ex- 
pectation, he  hath  directed  me,  where  to  wait  for  this 
within,  and  hath  revealed  it  in  me;  and  now  I  can  say  in 
truth  of  heart,  and  iu  the  sense  of  that  birth,  which  God 
hath  begotten  in  me,  "  Lo !  this  is  my  God,  whom  I  so 
wanted  and  waited  for;"  and,  I  find  him  stronger  in  my 
heart  than  the  strong  man,  which  possessed  it  before  He 
cast  him  out  from  thence,  and  made  a  spoil  of  his  goods. 
And  now,  dear  Brother,  how  can  I  hold  my  peace,  and 
not  testify  of  the  love,  mercy,  and  good-will  of  the  Lord 
towards  me,  and  invite  others  to  the  redeeming  power, 
of  which  the  Lord  iu  his  goodness  hath  made  me  a  par- 


160      LETTERS   OF    ISAAC  PEXIXGTOX. 


taker?  And  now,  Brother,  a  few  words  respecting  thy 
return  to  what  I  sent  thee ;  not  for  contention's  sake,  (the 
Lord  knows,  my  dwelling  is  in  that  life  and  peace  which 
shuts  them  out,)  but,  in  the  tender  love  and  care  of  my 
heart  concerning  the  eternal  welfai-e  of  thy  soul,  which 
I  would  not,  by  any  meaus  or  device  of  the  enemy,  have 
eternally  deceived. 

All  sides  may  agree  in  notions  about  the  regenerating 
power ;  but  all  do  not  receive  the  regenerating  power,  nor 
are  truly  regenerating  in  the  sight  of  God ;  nor  come  to 
witness  the  head  of  the  serpent  inwardly  crushed,  and  his 
works  destroyed,  and  kingdom  laid  waste  inwardly  by 
this  power  ;  which  must  needs  be,  before  a  man  be  trans- 
lated out  of  the  kingdom  of  darkness,  into  the  kingdom 
of  the  dear  Son.  There  is  a  kingdom  of  darkness  in- 
wardly, which  the  unbelieving  and  disobedient  to  God's 
Spirit  and  power,  dwell  iu  ;  an  1  there  is  a  kingdom  of 
light  inwardly,  wherein,  the  children  of  light  dwell  with 
God,  and  walk  in  the  light  as  he  is  in  the  liglit. 

But,  that  the  work  of  regeneration  is  only  Ijegnn  in  this 
life,  and  not  finished  till  the  other  life,  that  is  a  great 
mistake.  For,  the  Scriptures  testify,  that  salvation  is  to 
be  wrought  out  here,  and  not  hereafter.  Christ  had  all 
power  in  heaven  and  earth,  and  he  sent  forth  his  Spirit 
and  power  to  work  out  the  work  here ;  and  his  sanctifying 
Spirit  and  power  is  able  to  sanctify  throughout,  in  soul, 
body,  and  spirit ;  and  the  gifts  of  the  ministry  are  for  per- 
fecting the  saints,  till  they  all  come  in  the  unity  of  the 
faith,  unto  a  perfect  man,  that  they  may  be  presented  to 
God  perfect  in  Christ  Jesus.  The  holy  leaven  is  put  into 
the  lump  here,  and  it  is  able  to  leaven  the  lump  here  ;  and 
holiness  is  not  only  to  be  begun,  hut  perfected  in  the  fear 
of  God,  as  the  apostle  exhorts,  who  did  not  exhort  to  a 
needless,  or  impossible  thing ;  and  the  whole  armour  of 
God,  is  able  to  defend  the  whole  man  from  all  the  assaults 


LETTEKS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  161 


of  the  wicked  one  ;  for,  greater  is  He,  in  the  saints,  that 
preserves  from  sin,  than  he  that  tempts  to  sin.  O !  how 
precious  it  is  to  war  with  the  enemy  in  this  conquering 
faith,  and  to  resist  him  therein ;  tliat  he  may  still  flee 
away,  for  fear  of  God's  power  and  sword,  which  will  pierce 
him,  and  can  easily  overcome  him. 

There  is  a  state  where  the  spirit  is  willing,  hut  the  flesh 
weak :  yet,  it  is  not  so,  where  the  spirit  is  become  strong 
in  the  Lord,  and  in  the  power  of  his  might.  There  is  a 
holy  hill  of  God,  a  spiritual  Zion,  a  mountain  whereupon 
his  house  is  built,  which  the  wing  of  the  Almighty  over- 
shadows ;  and  his  sheep  that  are  gathered  by  the  great 
Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  the  soul,  feed  there,  and  none  can 
make  afraid.  The  flesh  will  be  rebelling  against  the" 
Spirit,  until  it  l>e  destroyed  by  the  cross  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ.  But,  when  a  man  is  really  crucified  with 
Christ,  and  dead  to  sin,  sin  hath  no  more  power  over  him  ; 
for,  Christ  lives  in  him,  and  reigns  in  his  heart  over  sin 
and  the  temptations  thereof.  When  the  God  of  peace 
treads  Satan  under  the  feet  of  the  soul,  that  was  once 
captived  by  him,  there  it  is  known,  whose  the  kingdom, 
and  the  power  and  the  victory,  and  the  dominion  is. 

And,  this  is  true  blessedness  begun,  carried  on,  and  up- 
held, by  the  pure,  sanctifying  power  of  the  word  of  life  in 
the  heart ;  'and  the  birth  which  is  born  of  God,  knows  it 
to  be  no  delusion,  but  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus.  And 
such  are  obedient  to  the  holy  church  of  God,  and  to  the 
holy  ministry,  which  he  hath  brought  out  of  the  wilder- 
ness ;  and  know,  of  what  nature  the  churches  and  ministry 
have  been,  which  have  appeared  and  been  set  up  in  the 
world,  since  the  true  church  fled  into,  and  was  hid  in  the 
wilderness,  and  was  fed  there  by  the  Lord  God  of  life. 
The  devil  hath  long  transformed  himself  into  the  likeness 
of  an  angel  of  light,  and  cheated  and  beguiled  souls  ;  while 
the  false  church  hath  reigned,  antichrist  sitting  in  the 
14*  L 


162      LETTERS   OF   IS  A  AT!  PEXINGTOX. 


temple, —  the  mau-child  liaviug  been  caught  up  to  God, 
and  the  true  church  in  the  wilderness;  and  men  have 
generally  put  darkness  for  light,  and  light  for  darkness. 
But,  blessed  be  the  Lord  I  the  true  light  which  shone  in 
the  apostles'  days,  now  shines  again ;  and  discovers  the 
mystery  of  iniquity,  and  the  golden  cup  of  abominations, 
wherewith  the  earth  hath  been  made  drunk ;  and  Satan 
falls  down  like  lightning  before  the  power  of  Him,  on 
whom  the  true  churcii  leaned,  when  she  came  out  of  the 
wilderness, —  and  still  leans,  and  will  lean  upon  forever; 
and  the  gates  of  hell  sliall  not  be  able  to  prevail  against 
her. 

And  blessed  be  the  Lord !  who  hath  brought  many 
wanderers  and  di.stressed  ones  to  the  sight  of  the  true 
church,  and  to  delightful  obedience  to  her ;  whose  voice 
is  not  different  to  Christ's,  but  one  with  it ;  and  such  are 
in  fellowship  with  the  Father  and  Sou,  and  with  the  saints 
who  dwell  in  the  light.  These  are  clothed  with  the 
Lamb's  iunocency  and  righteousness,  and  do  not  dwell  in 
darkness,  nor  in  sin  ;  having  crucified  the  old  man  with 
his  affections  and  lusts,  and  put  off  the  body  of  the  sins  of 
the  flesh  by  the  circumcision  of  Christ,  and  put  on  the 
new  man  which  is  created,  in  Christ  Jesus,  in  the  right- 
eousness and  holiness  of  Truth.  They  that  are  here, 
dwell  not  in  fancies,  nor  feed  on  fancies,  but  on  eternal 
life,  in  the  pure  pastures  of  life,  where  the  Shepherd  of 
the  inward  and  spiritual  Israel,  feeds  his  holy  flock  day 
'     by  day. 

As  for  the  Romish  church,  or  any  other  church,  built 
up  in  the  apostacy  from  the  spirit  and  life  of  the  apostles ; 
the  Lord  hath  given  me  to  see  through  them,  to  that  which 
was  before  them,  and  will  be  after  them.  And,  O  dear 
Brother  I  if  thou  couldst  but  rightly  wait  for  and  meet 
with  the  holy,  regenerating,  purifying  power,  which  in 
tender  love  I  testified  to  thee  of;  it  would  lead  thee  to 


LETTERS   OF    ISAAC   PENINGTON.  163 


that  which  is  tlic  true  chureli  indeed,  which  hath  heen 
persecuted  by  the  dragon  aud  false  church,  and  the  blood 
of  her  seed  made  drunk  by  the  bloody  dragouish  church, 
for  many  ages. 

The  Lord  hath  made  me  thy  Brother  in  the  line  of 
nature  ;  O  that  thou  wert  my  Brother  in  that  Truth,  wliich 
lives  and  abides  forever  !  O  that  thou  knew  the  church, 
of  the  first-born,  which  are  written  in  heaven,  the  Jerusa- 
lem which  is  above,  which  is  free,  which  is  the  mother  of 
all  who  are  born  of  the  regenerating  virtue  and  power ! 

I.  P. 

20th  of  Seventh  Month,  1676. 


LETTER  LXIL 

Respecting  his  Biotlier,  a  Roman  Catholic. 
To  Joseph  Wright. 

I  ENTREAT  thy  Son  to  acquaint  my  Brotlier  Arthur, 
that  I  took  very  kindly,  and  was  very  glad  of  his  affection- 
ate expressions  towards  me ;  having  been  somewhat  jeal- 
ous, that  though  m)j  religion  had  enlarged  ray  love  towards 
him,  yet,  hU  religion  might  have  diminished  his  to  me.  I 
bless  the  Lord  on  his  behalf  that  ho  enjoys  his  health  so 
well :  and  for  myself,  though  I  have  been  exceedingly 
weakly  formerly,  yet,  the  inward  life  and  comfort,  which 
the  Lord  daily  pleascth  to  administer  to  me,  increasoth 
the  health  and  strength  of  my  natural  man,  beyond  my 
expectation  ;  blessed  be  my  tender  and  merciful  Fallier, 
who  liath  visited  one  so  distressed,  miserable,  and  helpless 
as  I  was,  for  so  many  years ! 

And,  whereas  he  saith,  he  is  like  me  in  speech,  but  most 
unlike  me  in  opinion ;  I  pray,  tell  him  from  me,  that  my 


164      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PEXINGTON. 


religion  dotli  not  lio  in  opinion,  but  in  that  which  puts 
an  end  to  opinion.  I  was  weary  and  sick  at  heart  of 
opinions;  and,  had  not  the  Lord  brought  that  to  my  liand 
which  my  soul  wanted,  I  had  never  meddled  w^th  religion 
more.  But,  as  I  felt  that  in  my  heart,  which  was  evil  and 
not  of  God,  so  the  Lord  God  of  my  life,  pointed  me  to 
that  of  him  in  my  heart,  which  was  of  another  nature, 
teaching  me  to  wait  for  and  know  his  appearance  there  ; 
in  subjection  whereto,  I  experience  him  stronger  than  the 
strong  man,  that  was  there  before ;  and  by  his  power,  he 
hath  separated  me  from  that  within,  which  separated  me 
from  him  before ;  and,  thus  being  separated,  truly,  I  feel 
union  with  him,  and  his  blessed  presence  ev^ery  day, — 
which,  what  it  is  unto  me,  my  tongue  cannot  utter. 

I  could  be  glad,  if  the  Loi'd  saw  good,  that  I  might  see 
my  Brother  before  I  die ;  and,  if  I  did  see  him,  I  should 
not  be  quarrelling  with  him  about  his  religion,  but  embrace 
him  in  brotherly  love,  and  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord.  As 
for  his  being  a  Papist,  or  an  arch-Papist,  that  doth  not 
damp  my  tender  affection  to  him.  If  he  be  a  Papist,  I 
had  rather  have  hira  a  serious  than  a  loose  Papist.  If  he 
hath  met  with  any  thing  of  that,  which  brings  forth  an 
holy  conversation  in  him,  he  hath  so  far  met  with  tiome- 
what  of  my  religion,  which  teacheth  to  order  the  conver- 
sation aright,  in  the  light,  and  by  the  Spirit  and  power  of 
the  Lord  Jesus.  My  religion  is  not  a  new  thing,  though 
newly  revealed  more  fully  than  in  many  foregoing  ages  ; 
but  consists  in  that,  which  was  long  before  Popery  was, 
and  will  be  when  Popery  shall  be  no  more.  And,  he  that 
would  rightly  know  the  true  church,  must  know  the  living 
stones  whereof  the  true  church  is  built,  against  which  the 
gates  of  hell  cannot  possibly  prevail.  O  the  daily  joy  of 
my  heart,  in  feeling  my  living  membership  in  this  church ! 
where  the  true  "gold,"  the  "white  raiment,"  the  pure 
"  eye-salve "  (with  which  the  eye,  being  anointed,  sees 


LETTERS 


OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


165 


ariglit)  is  received  and  enjoyed  inwardly,  by  such  as  the 
Avorld  knows  not,  but  despiseth :  blessed  be  tbe  name  of 
the  Lord ! 

I  desire  my  sincere,  entire  affection,  as  in  God's  sight, 
may  be  remembered  to  my  dear  Brother.  I.  P. 


LETTER  LXIIL 

On  Baptism  by  Water. 
To  William  Eolls. 

Friend,  —  David  saw  through  sacrifices  and  burnt 
offerings  in  his  time ;  and  the  spiritual  eye  sees  through 
all  shadows  to  the  substance,  which  have  no  place  in  the 
brightness  of  the  day  of  God  :  and  outward  washing  is  no 
more  than  outward  circumcision,  (no  raore  of  a  gospel 
nature,)  nor  can  avail  any  more,  but  is  of  the  nature  of 
the  things,  that  were  to  be  shaken  and  pass  away ;  that 
the  spiritual  kingdom  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the 
things  which  cannot  be  shaken,  might  remain. 

I  could  say  very  much  to  every  passage  of  thy  letter; 
but  to  what  purpose  would  it  be  ?  The  Lord  give  thee  a 
sense,  where  the  true  understanding  is  given,  and  teach 
thee  aright  to  wait  for  it ;  that  thou  mayest  receive  it  from 
him,  and  thereby  discern  the  nature  of  that  wisdom,  from 
which  God  hath  hid  the  mystery  in  all  ages  and  genera- 
tions, and  from  which  he  hides  it  still ;  that  so  thou  mayest 
experimentally  know,  what  it  is  to  become  a  fool  in  thy- 
self for  Christ's  sake,  that  thou  mayest  be  wise  in  him  ; 
concerning  v>luch,  it  is  easy  to  have  many  notions  in  the 
mind,  but,  hard  to  come  to  the  true  experience  of 

These  are  the  breathings  of  my  heart  for  thee,  in  the 


166       LETTERS    OF   ISAAC  PEXINGTON. 


flowiiigs  of  my  love ;  who  desire,  that  thou  mayest  not 
seek  at'tcr  the  knowledge  of  the  Scriptures  in  that,  which 
cannot  understand  them  ;  but,  mayest  meet  with  the  right 
key  and  the  right  understanding,  wherein  thy  soul  will  be 
safe  and  happy :  which  is  my  heart's  desire  for  thee,  who 
am  a  real  Friend,  and  well-wisher  to  thy  soul  in  the  Lord. 

I.  P. 


LETTER  LXIV. 

On  Unreserved  Obedience. 
To  Bridget  Atley. 

Dear  Friend, —  I  know  thy  soul  desires  to  live;  and 
my  soul  desireth,  that  thou  miglitst  live.  O !  why  art 
thou  so  backward  to  hearken  to  the  voice  which  is  nigh 
thee,  -wherein  is  life  ?  why  dost  thou  reason  ?  why  dost 
thou  consult?  why  dost  thou  expect?  why  dost  thou 
hope?  why  dost  thou  believe  against  thy  own  soul? 

The  snares  of  the  subtle  one  will  entangle  forever,  un- 
less thou  wait  for,  hearken  to,  and  obey  the  voice  of  the 
living  God,  who  leads  the  single-hearted  and  obedient  out 
of  them.  Is  there  any  way  of  life  but  one?  Is  not  the 
Lord  leading  his  children  in  that  way  ?  Must  not  all  that 
come  after,  follow  in  the  footsteps  of  those  that  go  before  ? 
Is  there  any  Saviour,  but  the  seed  of  life  and  the  Father 
of  it?  Is  it  not  the  same  in  thee  as  in  others?  Hath  it 
not  the  same  voice  ?  O  that  thou  hadst  the  same  ear  and 
the  same  heart,  that  thou  mightst  hear,  receive,  and  live! 
They  wait  aright;  dost  thou  wait  so?  they  hope  aright; 
dost  thou  hope  so  ?  If  not,  what  will  thy  waiting  and 
expecting  come  to?  In  that,  which  hath  sometimes  in- 
clined thy  heart,  tliere  is  Truth,  there  were  the  beginnings 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  167 


of  salvation  ;  but  in  that,  wliifh  diaws  tliee  out,  to  expect 
some  great  matters,  and  dries  up  thy  j)resent  sense,  and 
liinders  tliy  present  subjection,  therein  is  deceit  and  the 
destruction  of  thy  soul.  Therefore,  if  tliou  desire  and 
love  the  salvation  thereof,  O  hasten,  hasten  out  of  it!  wait 
for  the  reproofs  of  wisdom  ;  and  what  it  manifests  to  be 
of  the  earthly  and  worldly  nature  in  thee,  (the  words, 
Avays,  thoughts,  customs  thereof,)  hasten  out  of.  O  turn 
thy  back  upon  the  world  with  speed,  and  turn  thy  face 
towards  the  heavenly  wisdom  and  light  eternal  i  which 
will  be  springing  up  in  thee,  if  thou  turn  thy  back  upon 
the  world,  and  wait  for  it. 

And,  do  not  look  for  such  great  matters  to  begin  with ; 
but,  be  content  to  be  a  child,  and  let  the  Father  propor- 
tion out  daily  to  thee  what  light,  what  power,  what  exer- 
cises, what  straits,  what  fears,  what  troubles,  he  sees  fit  for 
thee  ;  and  do  thou  bow  before  him  continually,  in  humility 
of  heart,  who  hath  the  disposal  of  thee,  whether  to  life  or 
death  forever.  Ah  !  that  wisdom,  which  would  be  choos- 
ing, must  be  confounded,  and  the  low  humble  thing  raised, 
which  submits,  and  cries  to  the  Father  in  every  condition. 
And,  in  waiting  to  feel  this,  and,  in  joining  to  this,  thou 
niayest  meet  with  life;  but  death,  destruction,  and  separa- 
tion from  God,  is  the  portion  of  the  other  forever !  O ! 
that  thou  nuiyest  be  separated  from  it,  and  joined  to  the 
seed  and  birth  of  God ;  that,  in  it,  thy  soul  may  spring  up 
to  know,  serve,  and  worship  the  Lord,  and  to  wait  daily 
to  be  formed  by  him,  until  thou  become  perfectly  like 
him.  But,  thou  must  join  in  with  the  beginnings  of  life, 
and  be  exercised  with  the  day  of  small  things,  before  thou 
meet  with  the  great  things,  wherein  is  the  clearness  and 
satisfaction  of  the  soul.  The  rest  is  at  noon-day  ;  but,  the 
travels  begin  at  the  breakings  of  day,  wherein  are  but 
glimmerings,  or  little  light,  wherein  the  discovery  of  good 
and  evil  are  not  so  manifest  and  certain ;  yet  there  must 


168      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENIXGTON". 


the  traveller  begin  and  travel ;  and  hi  his  faithful  travels, 
(ill  much  fear  and  trembling,  lest  he  should  err,)  the  light 
will  break  in  upon  him  more  and  more. 

This  have  I  written  in  tenderness  to  thee,  that  thou 
mightst  not  miss  of  the  path  of  the  living,  which  is 
apjjointed  of  the  Father  to  lead,  and  alone  can  lead  the 
soul  to  life.  O !  that  thou  mightst  be  enlightened  and 
quickened  by  the  Lord  to  walk  therein,  and  mightst  be 
thankful  for,  and  content  with,  what  he  gives  thee,  and 
walk  therein,  from  the  evil  to  the  good,  from  the  earthly 
to  the  heavenly  nature  daily,  and  mightst  not  despise  the 
cross  or  the  shame  of  the  seed.  For,  I  know  there  is  a 
wisdom  in  thee,  which  will  despise  and  turn  from  it,  until 
the  Lord  batter  and  crucify  it ;  and,  I  can  hardly  put  up 
a  more  proper  request  for  thee,  than,  that  the  Lord  would 
draw  out  his  sword  against  it,  and  deeply  perplex  and 
confound  it  in  thee.  I.  P. 

1G65. 


LETTER  LXV. 

To  THE  POOR  AMONG  FrIEXDS,  WHO  ARE  RELIEVED  BY  THE  ' 
CHARITY   AND  BOWELS  OF  LOVE,  WHICH   GOD  OPENS  IN 

OTHER  Friends  towards  them. 

O  Feiends, —  Ye  ought  deeply  and  often  to  consider 
of  God's  visiting  you  Avith  his  precious  Truth,  whereto 
being  faithful,  ye  are  sure  to  be  happy  forever;  how  hard 
soever  it  should  go  with  you,  and  how  strait  soever  your 
condition  should  be,  in  reference  to  the  things  of  this 
world. 

But,  ye  have  not  only  this  assurance  and  benefit  by  the 
Truth,  but  ye  are  also  come  to  partake  of  a  better  provi- 


LETTKRS   OF   ISAAC  PENIXGTON. 


169 


sion,  as  to  your  necessities  outwardly,  than  other  poor  meet 
with.  For,  God  himself  takes  care  of  you,  in  drawing  the 
hearts  of  his  children  to  consider  of  your  wants,  and  make 
supply  unto  you  ;  so  that,  many  of  you  are  so  provided 
for,  as  ye  had  never  like  to  have  been  while  in  this  world, 
had  it  not  been  for  the  interest,  God  gives  you  in  the 
hearts  of  others,  through  and  because  of  his  Truth. 
Surely,  this  should  not  be  forgotten  by  you,  but  daily 
acknowledged  to  the  Lord,  in  the  use  and  enjoyment  of 
those  things,  which  ye  ought  to  receive  as  from  his  hand, 
through  those  who  minister  to  you  in  his  name,  and  for 
his  sake. 

'And,  take  heed  of  murmuring,  if  the  supply  answer  not 
any  of  your  expectations;  for,  if  we  wait  upon  the  Lord, 
to  be  ordered  and  guided  by  him  in  this  matter,  and 
anSwerably  witness  his  presence  with  us,  and  holy  wisdom 
ordering  us  in  these  affairs ;  your  murmurings  are  not 
against  us,  but  against  the  Lord.  And,  if  ye  watch 
narrowly  over  yourselves,  ye  will  find,  it  is  the  unsubdued 
part,  which  is  apt  to  be  repining  and  murmuring;  but, 
that  which  is  of  the  Lord  and  eyes  him,  is  that  which  is 
sensible  of  his  goodness,  and  thankful  to  him  for  it.  But, 
if  there  be  judged  to  be  any  neglect  towards  any,  or  any 
just  cause  of  complaint;  let  it,  in  tenderness,  meekness, 
and  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  be  laid  before  us ;  and  we  will 
wait  upon  hiiu  to  give  it  a  due  and  full  consideration,  and 
do  therein  as  the  Lord  shall  open  and  guide  our  hearts. 
For,  great  exercises  of  spirit  do  we  meet  with  in  these 
affairs,  and  great  are  our  cries  of  spirit  to  the  Lord,  to 
guide  and  order  us  according  to  his  will  and  holy  counsel 
therein. 

And,  dear  Friends,  wait  to  feel  that  which  stays  your 
minds  on  the  Lord,  and  keeps  your  ej'e  towards  him  ;  and 
take  heed  of  judging  us  in  things,  wherein  we  truly  desire 
to  act  singly  towards  the  Lord,  and  of  which  we,  must 
15 


170      LETTERS   OF    ISAAC   P  E  X  1  N  G  T  O  N , 


give  an  account  to  him ;  and,  if  ye  in  anything  judge  us, 
wherein  our  God  justifies  us,  certainly  the  Lord  will  there- 
in condemn  you.  Therefore,  be  wary  and  watchful  in 
this  matter.  I.  P. 


LETTER  LXVL 

Afflictions  may  work  out  a  Weight  of  Glory. 
To  MY  DEAR  SUFFERING  FeIENDS  IN  SCOTLAND. 

Dear  Friends  and  Brethren, — Who  have  partaken 
of  the  tender  mercies  and  blessed  visitation  of  the  Lord. 

01  blessed  be  the  Lord,  who  pitied  and  helped  us»in 
our  low  estate,  and  whose  tender  love  and  mercy  hath 
followed  us,  from  his  first  visiting  us  to  this  present  day ! 
And  indeed,  the  Lord  is  with  us,  (what  can  we  desire 
more  ?)  preparing  us  for  himself,  preserving  us  in  the  life 
of  his  blessed  Truth,  building  i:s  up  more  and  more,  and 
causing  his  Spirit  of  glory  and  living  power  to  rest  upon 
us,  and  the  virtue  thereof  to  spring  up  in  us  day  by  day. 

O  !  the  beauty  and  glory  of  the  day  of  our  God  increas- 
etli  upon  his  heritage,  bles.s^a  be  the  name  of  the  Lord  ! 
And,  to  what  tend  all  the  workings  of  the  contrary  spirit 
and  power,  but,  to  eat  out  its  own  interest  and  kingdom, 
through  the  Lord's  blessed  ordering  of  things  ;  so  that, 
all  things  work  together  for  good,  and  for  the  advancing 
of  Truth,  and  the  growth  of  it  in  the  hearts  of  God's 
heritage. 

So,  my  dear  Friends,  none  look  out,  either  at  outward 
or  inward  sufferings ;  but  to  the  Loi'd  only,  whose  life. 
Spirit,  and  power  is  above  them,  and  bears  up  all  over 
them,  who  are  in  spirit  joined  to  him,  faithfully  waiting 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   TENINGTON.  171 


upon  him  ;  which  God  daily  teaches  and  enables  his  to 
do.  Thus,  my  dear  Friends,  feel  the  Lord's  presence  and 
power  among  you,  who  is  always  near  his,  but  especially 
in  the  time  of  their  straits,  trials,  and  sufferings;  and  wait 
to  feel  the  life  springing,  and  doing  its  proper  work  in 
each  of  you  day  by  day ;  w'orking  out  what  is  to  be 
wrought  out  in  any,  and  working  more  and  more  into  the 
glory  of  the  heavenly  image  ;  that,  through  the  sufferings, 
ye  may  come  into  the  glory,  and  be  crowned  w'ith  the 
glor}^  virtue,  holiness,  righteousness,  and  dominion  of 
life  over  all  ;  and  tlius  the  Son  may  sit  upon  his  throne 
in  you,  and  wield  his  holy  and  righteous  sceptre,  and  give 
you  dominion  in  and  with  him  over  all  that  would  veil 
life,  or  keep  it  under,  in  any  of  you.  So,  my  dear  Friends, 
be  strong  in  the  Lord,  with  the  strength  of  the  Lord,  with 
which  he  is  clothing  those,  whom  he  hath  emptied  and 
made  weak ;  for  the  trials,  temptations,  and  afflictions, 
prepare  for,  and  (as  I  may  say)  lead  into  the  possession 
of  th.e  desired  inheritance ;  where,  all  that  the  soul  hath 
breathed  and  waited  for,  is  bestowed  upon  it,  by  the 
bountiful  hand  of  the  Father  of  mercies,  who  keeps  cove- 
nant and  mercy  forever,  and  renews  covenant  and  mercy 
day  by  day. 

So,  the  tender  God  of  my  life,  and  Father  of  the  bless- 
ings and  mercies  of  my  once  greatly  distressed  and  miser- 
able soul,  instruct  you,  preserve  you,  watch  over  you ; 
exercise  your  spirits  most  advantageously,  daily  open  you 
to  himself ;  keep  you  empty  and  naked  before  him  of  all 
your  own  clothing  and  righteousness,  and  fill  you  with 
that,  which  flows  from  the  pure  living  fountain ;  to  the 
unspeakable  joy  of  your  hearts,  and  the  glory  of  his  own 
name  over  all  forever ! 

Be  of  good  faith,  my  dear  Friends,  look  not  out  at  any 
thing;  fear  none  of  tliose  things  ye  may  be  exposed  to 
suffer,  either  outwardly  or  inwardly ;  but  trust  the  Lord 


172      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PEXINGTOM". 


over  all,  and  your  life  will  spring,  and  grow,  and  refresh 
you,  and  the  love  aud  power  will  purge  out,  and  keep  out, 
what  would  hinder  its  growth ;  and  ye  will  learn  obedi- 
ence and  faithfulness  daily  more  and  more,  even  by  your 
exercises  and  sufferings ;  yea,  the  Lord  will  teach  you  the 
very  mystery  of  faith  and  obedience  ;  (oh  blessed  lesson  !) 
and  ye  shall  not  be  disappointed  of  your  hope  or  crown, 
by  any  thing  the  enemy  can  plot  or  bring  about  against 
you,  but  have  the  weight  of  glory  increased  and  enlarged 
by  his  temptations,  and  your  many  sufferings  ;  the  wisdom, 
power,  love,  and  goodness  of  the  Lord,  ordering  every  thing 
for  you,  and  ordering  your  hearts  in  every  thing, —  you 
having  given  up  to  him,  and  keeping  them  continually 
given  up  to  him,  in  the  holy  seed  of  Truth,  in  which  he 
hath  in  some  measure  already  joined,  and  is  daily  more 
and  more  joining  you  to  himself. 

This  is  the  salutation  and  tender  visit  of  the  love  of 
your  brother  in  the  Truth ;  whose  breathings  are  to  God 
for  you,  and  his  praises  unto  Him,  through  the  sense  of  his 
being  with  you,  and  daily  showing  mercy  to  you,  uphold- 
ing and  preserving  you  in  the  midst  of  your  sore  trials  and 
afflictions.  I.  P. 

London, 
5th  of  Fifth  Month,  1676. 


LETTER  LXVIL 

Against  Earthly  EeasonLngs  and  Expectations. 

To  Sarah  Bond. 

Dear  Sarah,  —  I  have  had  many  thoughts  of  thee  in 
this  my  imprisonment ;  wherein,  I  have  seen  in  spirit  thy 
error  and  miscarriage,  and  a  hope  and  expectation  in  thy 
heart,  which  will  deceive  thee. 


LETTERS   OF    ISAAC   PENINGTON.  173 


O  how  much  precious  time  hast  thou  lost !  wherein 
thou  mightst  have  been  travelling  far  on  thy  journey, 
while  thou  art  disputing  in  thy  mind,  and  wandering  in 
the  deceitful  reasonings  of  thy  heart.  And  indeed,  it  must 
not  be,  it  must  not  be  as  thou  imaginest;  but,  thou  must 
begin  low,  and  be  glad  of  a  little  light  to  travel  with  out 
of  the  earthly  nature,  and  be  faithful  thereunto  ;  and  in 
faithfulness  expect  additions  of  light,  and  so  much  power 
as  may  help  thee  to  rub  on.  And,  though  thou  may  be 
long  low,  and  weak,  and  little,  and  ready  to  perish  ;  yet, 
in  the  humble  and  self-denying  state,  the  Father  will  help 
thee,  and  cause  his  life  to  shoot  up  in  thee,  in  the  shooting 
up  whereof,  will  be  thy  redemption. 

But,  O  hasten!  O  hasten  out  of  the  earthly  nature, 
whilst  thou  hast  time,  or  any  visitations  from  the  Spirit  of 
the  Lord  !  and  do  not  in  thy  wisdom  limit  him,  but  accept 
what  at  present  comes  from  him ;  for  the  flood  is  break- 
ing out,  and  will  swallow  up  and  drown  all,  that  are  not 
found  in  the  ark.  Oh  !  therefore,  enter,  enter  apace ; 
mind  that  which  checks  in  thy  heart ;  mind  also  that 
which  reasons  against  those  checks,  to  hold  thee  still 
in  captivity,  and  to  keep  thee  from  travelling  out  of  the 
earthly  nature,  spirit,  wisdom,  and  2)ractices ;  and  come 
out  of  the  spirit  and  way  of  this  world,  that  thou  mayest 
live,  and  not  die.  For,  none  shall  live,  but  those  that 
walk  in  the  way  of  life,  and  leave  the  paths  and  course  of 
the  dead,  in  which  thou  art  yet  entangled.  O !  that  thou 
mightst  be  loosed,  and  travel  out  thence,  with  a  little 
light  and  a  little  help ;  and  not  limit  the  Holy  One  of  * 
Israel  in  thy  desires  or  expectations,  but  thankfully  receive 
the  smallest  visitation  that  comes  from  him  to  thy  soul ; 
for,  there  is  life  and  peace  in  it,  and  death  and  perplexity 
in  turning  from  it.  And,  this  will  not  be  thy  comfort  or 
satisfaction  hereafter,  to  have  had  a  day  of  visitation  and 
mercy  from  on  high  ;  but  to  have  received  the  visitation, 
15* 


174      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


and  to  have  been  turned  in  it,  from  the  darkness  of  the 
earthly  mind  and  nature,  into  the  light  of  the  living  and 
redeemed  souls  —  this  will  be  comfortable,  indeed! 

And  this  is  my  tender  counsel  to  thee:  wait  for,  and 
gaspingly  receive  the  checks  of  the  Most  High,  and  take 
heed  of  reasoning  against  them  ;  but,  as  that  (though  in 
a  low,  and  mean,  and  despicable  way  to  thy  wisdom) 
draws  and  leads  thee  out  of  any  earthly  thought,  word,  cus- 
tom, or  practice,  follow  diligently  ;  not  reasoning  against 
it,  but,  waiting  to  have  thy  reasonings  subdued  to  the 
smallest  motions,  and  lowest  guidance  of  life  in  thee.  For, 
I  know  that  life  is  near  thee,  even  the  life  that  would  effec- 
tually redeem  thee ;  but,  it  is  bowed  down  and  held  cap- 
tive under  the  dominion  of  the  earthly  wisdom ;  and  so, 
thy  redemption  (which  is  to  be  wrought  out  by  it)  sticks, 
and  will  stick,  until  thy  heart  be  persuaded  to  join  to  it 
and  become  subject,  without  reasoning,  without  consulting, 
without  disputing.  For,  I  certainly  know,  the  light  mani- 
fests in  thee ;  but,  the  darkness  puts  off  the  present  mani- 
festation of  the  light,  and  expects  another ;  and,  this  is  in 
the  will  of  the  flesh,  which  the  Father  will  not  answer ;  and, 
in  this  will  and  expectation,  thou  wilt  perish  ;  but,  thy  help, 
life,  and  salvation,  is,  in  being  subject  to  the  present  man- 
ifestation of  light,  parting  with,  and  departing  from,  what 
thou  already  knowest  to  be  of  the  earth,  and  not  of  God. 

And,  in  thus  doing,  more  will  be  made  manifest  in  the 
Lord's  season,  and  power  given  to  become  a  child,  after 
some  belief  in  the  Father,  and  some  entrance  into  the 
child-like  nature ;  but,  the  will  and  expectation  of  the 
flesh  in  thee,  shall  never  be  answered  : — it  hath  been  long 
written  in  my  heart  concerning  thee,  but  I  dare  never 
utter  it  to  thee  —  O  that  it  may  be  now  uttered,  to  the 
melting  and  advantage  of  thy  heart !  for,  indeed,  I  love 
thee,  and  have  travailed  for  thee,  and  desire  the  salvation 
of  thy  soul,  as  of  ray  own.    O  that  thou  mayest  be  led 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  175 


out  of  that  wisdom  which  destroys,  into  that  which  saves  ! 
and  mayest  there,  in  humility  of  heart,  receive  instruction 
daily,  according  to  thy  ueed.  But,  indeed,  of  a  truth, 
thou  must  come  into  and  come  under  that,  which  crucifies 
thy  nature  and  wisdom  ;  and  there,  (in  the  seasons  of  God's 
wisdom,  who  answers  the  desires  of  his  own  Spirit  in  the 
heart,  but  regards  not  the  flesh,)  mayest  thou  meet  with 
life  and  power,  but  no  where  else. 

I  am  thy  Friend,  and  a  dear  lover  of  that  in  thee, 
which  desires  the  Lord  ;  aud,  O  that  that  might  come  up 
in  thee,  and  be  severed  from  the  earth,  that  thy  soul  may 
live!  LP. 


LETTER  LXVIIL 

An  Invitation  to  Heavenly  Substance. 

Friend,  —  The  vessel,  or  created  nature,  poisoned  by 
sin  and  death,  nothing  can  redeem,  but  the  life  and  power 
of  God  revealed  in  the  vessel.  This  life,  this  peace,  this 
power,  this  righteousness,  this  salvation,  is  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  And  he  that  feels  any  tiling  of  this,  feels  some- 
what of  Christ ;  and  being  joined  to,  and  partaking  of  it, 
partakes  somewhat  of  his  redemption  ;  for,  it  is  not  by  an 
outward  knowledge,  but,  by  an  inward  virtue  and  spirit- 
ual life,  received  from  Christ,  and  held  in  Christ,  that 
those  who  are  saved,  are  saved.  This  is  the  tiling  of  value 
with  me,  for  which  I  have  been  made  willing  to  part 
with  all,  and  into  this  purchased  possession  am  I  daily 
travelling;  and  in  my  travels,  the  Father  of  life  and 
tender  mercy  pleaseth  to  help  me. 

Now,  to  have  thee  gathered  into  this  light,  this  life,  this 
power,  which  is  of  Christ,  and  iu  which  he  is,  and  appears, 


176       LETTERS   OF    ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


is  tlic  desire  of  my  soul,  in  uprightness  of  lieart  before 
tlie  Lord,  for  thee :  and,  if  he  please,  I  am  williug  to  be 
instrumental  in  his  hand,  towards  the  bringing  forth  of 
this  in  thee.  It  is  not  ray  desire,  to  bring  forth  new 
notions  in  thee ;  but  rather,  that  thou  mightst  wait  on 
the  Lord,  for  him  to  bring  up  his  living,  powerful  Truth 
in  thee,  wherein  the  knowledge  of  the  new  and  living 
way,  is  alone  revealed. 

I  am  a  worm,  I  am  poor,  I  am  nothing ;  less  than  noth- 
ing, as  in  myself ;  weaker  than  I  can  express,  or  thou 
imagine ;  ^yet,  in  the  midst  of  all  this,  the  life,  power, 
righteousness,  and  presence  of  Christ,  is  my  refreshment, 
peace,  joy,  and  crown  :  and  that,  to  which  I  invite  thee,  is 
substance,  everlasting  substance,  which  thou  shalt  know 
and  acknowledge  in  spirit  to  be  so,  as  that  is  created  and 
raised  in  thee,  which  can  see  and  acknowledge  it  in  Truth. 
O !  wait  on  the  Lord,  fear  before  him,  pray  for  his  fear 
in  the  upright  breathings,  (which  are  not  of  thy  spirit's 
forming,  but  of  his  pure  begetting;)  that  thou  mayest  be 
led  by  him,  out  of  that  wisdom  which  entangles,  into  that 
inuoceucy,  simplicity,  and  precious  childishness,  in  which 
the  Father  appears  to  the  soul,  to  break  the  bonds  and 
snares  of  iniquity ;  for,  hereby,  the  evil  spirit  not  only 
involveth  in  iniquity,  but  also  begets  a  belief,  as  if  there 
could  be  no  perfect  redemption  therefrom,  till  the  time 
of  redemption  be  over. 

Thy  truly  loving  Friend,  desiring  the  right  guidance 
and  happiness  of  thy  soul,  by  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the 
alone  skilful  Shepherd  and  Guide,  even  as  of  my  own 
soul.  I.  P. 

Aylesbury  Prison, 
20th  of  Tenth  Mouth,  1666. 


LETTERS   OP   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


177 


LETTER  LXIX. 

Exhortation  to  Walk  in  the  Truth. 
For  my  dear  Friends  in  the  Truth  at  Lewes. 

The  God  of  truth  plants  his  Truth  in  the  hearts  of 
people,  that  it  might  grow  there,  and  bring  forth  fruit  to 
him.  O  my  dear  Friends  !  feel  it  grow  in  every  one  of 
your  hearts,  and  bringing  forth  the  proper  fruits  of  its 
growth  to  the  Lord. 

Mind  what  ariseth  from  the  Truth,  what  Truth  brings 
forth,  and  wait  for  and  receive  your  nourishment  from  tlie 
Lord,  that  it  may  be  brought  forth  in  you.  And,  that 
which  the  Lord  hath  made  barren  (in  you,  who  have 
experienced  his  righteous  judgments,)  let  it  be  kept  so, 
by  tlie  same  power  which  made  it  barren,  that  no  more 
fruit  may  be  brought  forth  to  sin  and  unrighteousness,  by 
any  of  you.  Then  shall  ye  live  the  life  of  Truth,  and  no 
life  but  the  life  of  Truth,  and  dwell  and  walk  in  the 
Truth,  than  which,  there  is  no  greater  joy,  delight,  or 
peace  to  be  desired  or  enjoyed. 

0  my  dear  Friends !  know,  and  every  day  experience 
Enoch's  life,  —  a  being  translated  out  of  the  kingdom  of 
darkness,  into  the  kingdom  of  the  dear  Son,  and  of  walk- 
ing with  the  Son  in  his  kingdom ;  then,  ye  will  walk  with 
the  Father  also,  and  know  the  heavenly  paths  of  life,  joy, 
righteousness,  and  peace  in  the  pure  light  of  life,  which 
is  no  less  than  a  paradise  to  the  renewed  soul. 

1  would  fain  have  seen  you  together,  had  the  Lord 
"made  way;  but,  let  me  feel  you  in  the  hidden  life,  and 

meet  you  at  my  Father's  throne,  where,  let  us  beg  of  our 
God,  what  our  souls  and  His  whole  flock  stand  in  need  of, 

M 


178       LETTERS   OP   ISAAC  PENINGTOX. 


praying  for  the  peace  and  prosperity  of  Jerusalem,  unto 
the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  hears 
our  jirayers ;  that  we  may  daily  see  and  feel  the  goiug 
on  of  the  work  of  our  God,  iu  our  hearts  and  in  the 
kingdoms  of  the  world,  (which  must  become  the  Lord's 
and  his  Christ's,)  and  may  bless  and  magnify  his  name, 
who  hath  power  over  all,  and  orders  all  for  good  to  his 
chosen  heritage. 

This  is  the  salutation  of  my  love  to  you,  which  lay  so 
upon  me,  that  I  could  not  pass  it  by,  who  am  your  Friend, 
in  the  everlasting  unchangeable  Truth  of  our  blessed  God 
and  Saviour.  I.  P. 


LETTER  LXX. 

Consolation  for  a  Mother  on  the  death  of  her  Child. 

To  Sarah  Elgak. 

The  child,  which  the  Lord  hath  taken  from  thee,  was 
his  own.  He  hath  done  thee  no  wrong,  in  calling  it  from 
thee.  Take  heed  of  murmuring,  take  heed  of  discontent, 
take  heed  of  any  grief,  but  what  Truth  allows  thee. 
Thou  hast  yet  one  child  left.  The  Lord  may  call  for  that 
too,  if  he  please  ;  or  he  may  continue  and  bless  it  to  thee. 
O  mind  a  right  frame  of  spirit  towards  the  Lord,  in  this 
thy  great  affliction !  If  thou  mind  God's  Truth  in  thy 
heart,  and  wait  to  feel  the  seasoning  thereof,  that  will 
bring  thee  into,  and  preserve  thee  in  a  riglit  frame  of 
spirit.  The  Lord  will  not  condemn  thy  love  and  tender- 
ness to  thy  child,  or  thy  tender  remembrance  of  him  ;  but 
still,  in  it,  be  subject  to  the  Lord,  and  let  his  will  and  dis- 
posal be  bowed  unto  by  thee,  and  not  the  will  of  fhy 
nature  set  above  it.    Retire  out  of  the  natural,  into  the 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  179 

spiritual,  where  thou  mayest  feel  the  Lord  thy  portion  ;  so 
that  now,  in  the  needful  time,  thou  mayest  day  by  day  re- 
ceive and  enjoy  satisfaction  therein.  O  wait  to  feel  the 
Lord,  making  thy  heart  what  he  would  have  it  to  be,  in 
this  thy  deep  and  sore  affliction !  I.  P. 

NrrNNINGTON, 

Sixth  Month,  1(579. 

Now  let  the  world  see,  how  thou  prizest  Truth,  and 
what  Truth  can  do  for  thee.  Feed  on  it ;  do  not  feed  oq 
thy  affliction  ;  and  the  life  of  Truth  will  arise  in  thee,  and 
raise  thee  up  over  it,  to  the  honour  of  the  name  of  the 
Lord,  and  to  the  comfort  of  thy  own  soul. 


LETTEK  LXXL 

Advice  respecting  Church  Discipline. 

To  THE  Women's  Meetjxg  of  Friends  ix  the  Truth, 
AT  John  Mannock's. 

Dear  Friends,  —  Dearly  beloved  and  honoured  in 
the  Lord,  because  of  his  honourable  presence  and  power, 
which  is  so  preciously  manifested  and  found  to  be  among 
you  in  your  meetings. 

Blessed  be  the  Loi-d,  who  hath  thi^s  gathered  you !  and 
given  you  hearts  to  meet  together,  to  fieel  his  precious  pres- 
ence and  power,  and  wait  to  do  his  will  therein,  as  he  shall 
please  to  call,  and  make  your  way  clear  thereto.  And, 
blessed  be  the  Lord !  who  doth  encourage  and  reward  you 
daily,  and  make  your  meetings  pleasant  and  advantageous 
to  your  own  souls,  and  towards  the  seasoning  and  holy 
watching  over  the  several  respective  places,  where  your 
lot  is  fallen. 


ISO      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PEXIXGTOX. 

Oh  !  what  could  the  Lord  do  more  for  his  people,  than 
to  turn  them  to  that  pure  seed  of  life,  which  will  make 
them  all  alive,  and  keep  them  all  iu  life  and  purity  ;  and 
then,  to  make  use  of  every  living  member  in  the  living 
body,  as  his  Spirit  shall  please  to  breathe  upon  it,  and  his 
power  actuate  it !  And  indeed,  there  is  need  of  all  the 
life  and  power  to  the  body,  which  the  Xiord  sees  good  to 
bestow  on  any  member  of  it;  every  member  of  the  body 
having  life  given  it,  not  onh'  for  itself,  but  likewise  for 
the  use  and  service  of  the  body.  Only,  dear  Friends,  here 
is  to  be  the  great  care,  that  every  member  keep  within  the 
limits  of  life,  wherein  its  capacity  and  ability  for  service 
lies,  and,  out  of  which,  it  can  do  no  real  service  for  God, 
or  to  the  body.  O  I  therefore,  eye  life,  eye  the  jDower,  eye 
the  presence  of  the  Lord  with  your  spirits !  that  he  may 
go  along  with  you,  and  guide  you  in  ever\'  thought  ye 
think,  in  every  word  ye  speak,  in  reference  to  his  work 
and  service. 

And  mind,  Friends,  what  is  now  upon  me  to  you :  it  is 
one  thing,  to  sit  waiting  to  feel  the  power,  and  to  keep 
within  the  limits  of  the  power,  thus  far;  and  another,  yea, 
and  harder,  to  feel  and  keep  within  the  sense  and  limits 
of  the  power,  when  ye  come  to  act.  Then,  your  reason- 
ings, your  wisdom,  your  apprehensions,  have  more  advan- 
tage to  get  up  in  you,  and  to  put  themselves  forth.  O ! 
therefore,  watch  narrowly,  and  diligently  against  the  for- 
ward part ;  and  keep  back  to  the  life,  which,  though  it 
rise  more  slowly,  yet  acts  more  surely  and  safely  for  God. 

O  wait  and  watch,  to  feel  your  Keeper  keeping  you 
within  the  holy  bounds  and  limits,  within  the  pure  fear, 
within  the  living  sense,  while  ye  are  acting  for  your  God ! 
that  ye  may  only  be  his  instruments,  and  feel  him  acting 
in  you.  Therefore,  every  one*  wait  to  feel  the  Judge  risen 
and  up,  and  the  judgment  set,  in  your  own  hearts ;  that, 
what  ariseth  iu  you,  may  be  judged  and  nothing  may  pass 


LETTKRS   OF   ISAAC   PENIXGTON.  181 


from  you  publicly,  but  what  hath  first  passed  the  pure 
judgment  iu  your  own  breasts.  And,  let  the  holy  rule  of 
the  blessed  apostle  James,  be  always  upon  your  spirits, 
"  Let  every  one  be  swift  to  hear,  slow  to  speak,  slow  to 
wrath."  O  let  not  a  talkativeness  have  place  in  any  of 
you !  but,  abide  in  such  gravity,  modesty,  and  weightiuess 
of  spirit,  as  becomes  the  judgment-seat  of  the  Spirit  and 
power  of  the  Lord.  Ye  can  never  wait  too  much  for  the 
power,  nor  can  ye  ever  act  too  much  in  the  power ;  but,  ye 
may  easily  act  too  much  without  it. 

And  as  for  this  troublesome,  contentious  business,  (if 
the  Lord  should  yet  order  it  to  be  brought  before  you,) 
the  Lord  teach  you  to  consider  of,  and  manage  it  iu  a  wise, 
tender,  and  healing  spirit.  Ye  must  distinguish  in  judg- 
ment, if  ye  judge  aright,  between  enemies  and  erring 
friends.  And,  take  heed  of  the  quickness  and  strength  of 
reason,  or  of  the  natural  part,  which  avails  little:  but, 
wait  for  the  evidence  and  demonstration  of  God's  Spirit, 
which  reaches  to  the  witness  and  doth  the  work.  Are 
they  in  a  snare?  are  they  overtaken  in  a  fault?  yea,  are 
they  in  measure  blrnded  and  hardened,  so  that  they  can 
neither  see  nor  feel,  as  to  this  particular?  Retire,  sit  still 
awhile,  and  travail  for  them.  Feel  how  life  will  arise  in 
any  of  you,  and  how  mercy  will  reach  towards  them ;  and 
how  living  words,  from  the  tender  sense,  may  be  reached 
forth  to  their  hearts,  deeply,  by  the  baud  of  the  Lord,  for 
their  good.*  And,  if  ye  find  them,  at  length,  bowing  to 
the  Lord,  O  let  tender  comjiassion  help  them  forwards  ! 
that  what  hath  been  so  troublesome  and  groundedly  dis- 
satisfactory in  the  progress,  may,  at  length,  have  a  sweet 
issue  for  their  good,  and  our  joy  and  rejoicing  in  the 
Lord. 

So,  my  dear  Friends,  the  Lord  be  with  you,  and  guide 
you  in  this,  and  in  all  that  he  shall  further  call  you  to ; 
and  multiply  his  presence,  power,  and  blessings  upon  you, 
16 


182      LETTERS   OF    ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


and  make  your  meetings  as  serviceable  to  the  honour  of 
his  name,  as  he  himself  would  have  them,  and  as  you  your- 
selves can  desire  them  to  be. 

Your  Friend  and  brother  in  the  tender  Truth,  and  in 
the  pure  love  and  precious  life.  1.  P. 

19tli  of  Fiilh  Month,  1G78. 


LETTER  LXXII. 

On  Prayer  in  Faniilles,  &c.    Also  on  the  state  of  Professors  of 
the  (hiy. 

Because  my  not  praying  iu  my  family,  according  to 
the  custom  of  professors,  seemed  to  be  such  a  great  stum- 
bling-block to  thee,  it  sprang  up  in  my  heart  to  render 
thee  this  account  thereof. 

I  did  formerly  apply  myself  to  pray  to  the  Lord,  morn- 
ing and  evening,  (besides  other  times,)  believing  iu  my 
heart,  that  it  was  the  will  of  the  Lord  I  should  so  do.  And 
this  was  my  condition  then  :  —  sometimes  I  felt  the  living 
spring  open,  and  the  true  child  breathe  towards  the  Father; 
at  other  times,  I  felt  a  deadness,  a  dryness,  a  barrenness, 
and  only  a  speaking  and  striving  of  the  natural  part, 
which  I,  even  then,  felt  was  not  acceptable  to  the  Lord, 
nor  did  profit  my  soul;  but,  apprehending  it  to  be  a  duty, 
I  durst  not  but  apply  myself  thereto. 

Since  that  time, — since  the  Lord  hath  again  been  pleased 
to  raise  up  what  he  had  formerly  begotten  in  me,  and  began 
to  feed  it,  by  the  pure  giving  forth  of  that  breath  of  life 
which  begat  it,  (which  is  the  bread  that  comes  down  from 
heaven  daily  to  it,  as  the  Lord  pleaseth  freely  to  dispense 
it,)  —  the  Lord  hath  shown  me,  that  prayer  is  his  gift  to 
the  child  which  he  begets ;  and  that  it  stands  not  in  the 
will,  or  time,  or  understanding,  or  affectionate  part  of  the 


LETTERS    OF    ISAAC   PENIKGTON.  183 


creature,  but  in  his  own  begetting,  wliicli  he  first  breatlies 
upon,  and  then  it  breathes  again  towards  him  ;  —  and  that 
he  worketh  this  at  his  own  pleasure,  and  no  time  can  be 
set  hira  when  he  shall  breathe,  or  when  he  shall  not 
breathe ;  and  that  when  he  breathes,  then  is  the  time  of 
prayer,  then  is  the  time  of  moving  towards  him,  and  fol- 
lowing him  who  draws.  So  that,  all  my  times,  and  all  my 
duties,  and  all  my  graces,  and  all  my  hopes,  and  all  my 
refreshments,  and  all  my  ordinances,  are  in  his  hand,  who 
is  the  spring  of  my  life,  and  conveys,  preserves,  and  in- 
creases life  of  his  own  good  pleasure. 

I  freely  confess,  all  my  religion  stands  in  waiting  on 
the  Lord,  for  the  riches  of  his  Spirit,  and  in  returning 
back  to  the  Lord,  (by  his  own  Spirit,  and  in  the  virtue  of 
his  own  life,)  that  which  he  pleaseth  to  bestow  on  me. 
And,  I  have  no  faith,  no  love,  no  hope,  no  peace,  no  joy, 
no  ability  to  anything,  no  refreshment  in  anything,  but  as 
I  find  his  living  breath  beginning,  his  living  breath  con- 
tinuing, his  living  breath  answering,  and  performing  what 
it  calls  for.  So  that,  I  am  become  exceeding  poor  and 
miserable,  save  in  what  the  Lord  pleaseth  to  be  to  me  by 
his  own  free  grace,  and  for  his  own  name's  sake,  and  in 
rich  mercy.  And,  if  I  have  tasted  anything  of  the  Lord's 
goodness  sweeter  than  ordinary,  my  heart  is  willing,  so  far 
as  the  Lord  pleaseth,  faithfully  to  point  any  others  to  the 
same  spring ;  and  not  discourage  or  witness  against  the 
least  simjjlicity,  and  true  desire  after  God,  in  them.  But, 
where  they  have  lost  the  true  living  child,  and  another 
thing  is  got  up  in  its  stead,  (which,  though  it  may  bear  its 
image  to  the  eye  of  flesh,  yet  is  not  the  same  thing  in  the 
sight  of  God  ;)  and,  where  this  nourisheth  itself  by  pray- 
ing, reading,  meditating,  or  any  other  such  like  thing, 
feeding  the  carnal  part  with  such  a  kind  of  knowledge 
from  Sci'iptures,  as  the  natural  understanding  may  gather 
and  grow  rich  by ;  this,  in  love  and  faithfulness  to  the 


184      LETTERS   OF    ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


Lord  aud  to  souls,  I  cannot  but  testify  against,  wherever 
I  find  it,  as  the  Lord  draweth  forth  my  spirit  to  bear  its 
testimony. 

And  this  I  know,  from  the  Lord,  to  be  the  general  state 
of  professors  at  this  day.  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  is  de- 
parted from  them,  and  they  joined  to  another  spirit,  as 
deeply  and  as  generally  as  ever  the  Jews  were ;  and  that 
their  prayers  aud  reading  of  the  Scriptures,  and  preach- 
ing, and  duties,  and  ordinances,  are,  as  loathsome  to  the 
soul  of-  the  Lord,  as  ever  the  Jews'  incense  and  sacrifices 
were.  And  this  is  the  Avord  of  the  Lord  concerning  them. 
Ye  must  come  out  of  your  knowledge,  into  the  feeling  of 
an  inward  principle  of  life,  if  ever  ye  be  restored  to  the 
true  unity  with  God,  and  to  the  true  enjoyment  of  him 
again.  Ye  must  come  out  of  the  knowledge  and  wisdom 
ye  have  gathered  from  the  Scriptures,  into  a  feeling  of  the 
thing  there  written  of,  as  it  pleaseth  the  Lord  to  open  aud 
reveal  them  in  the  hidden  man  of  the  heart. 

This  is  it,  ye  are  to  wait  for  from  the  Lord ;  and  not  to 
boast  of  your  present  state,  as  if  ye  were  not  backslidden 
from  him,  and  had  not  entered  into  league  with  another 
spirit ;  which  keeps  up  the  image  of  what  the  Spirit  of  the 
Lord  once  formed  in  you,  but  without  the  true,  pure, 
fresh  life. 

From  a  faithful  Friend  and  lover  of  souls.         I.  P. 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTOK.  185 


LETTER  LXXIIL 

Of  Preservation  and  a  Growth  in  the  Heavenly  Life ;  its  Power 
over  tlie  Earthly  Nature. 

To  THE  SINGLE,  UPRIGHT-HEARTED  AND  FAITHFUL  FRIENDS 
OF  TrHTH,  in  and  about  THE  TWO  ChALFONTS. 

Dear  Friends, — -  Have  ye  in  any  measure  drunk-  in 
the  sense  of  what  the  Lord  hath  done  for  you  ?  and  have 
ye  felt  meltings  of  spirit,  and  bowings  before  him,  with 
praises  to  his  name  therefor?  Indeed,  my  request  is  to 
the  Lord  for  you,  that  he  would  please  to  keep  you  truly 
sensible  of  what  he  already  is  to  you,  and  of  what  he  hath 
already  done  for  you  ;  that  he  w'ould  also,  of  his  tender 
mercy  and  great  goodness,  visit  you  yet  further,  increase 
life  in  you,  cause  faith  to  abound,  give  you  to  dwell  in  his 
power,  and  always  abide  in  his  seed,  and  feel  that  to  be 
your  hope,  peace,  joy,  life,  and  strength,  continually  ;  that 
ye  may  more  and  more  give  thanks  unto  him,  as  ye  feel 
his  pure  life  arising  in  you,  and  death  and  the  grave 
swallowed  up  thereby. 

Ah !  my  Friends,  can  we  ever  forget  the  lost  and  miser- 
able estate,  wherein  the  mercy  of  the  Lord  and  his  power 
from  on  high  visited  us  ?  O  the  blackness  of  that  day, 
the  misery,  the  deep  distress  of  that  day,  which  some  of 
your  souls  felt !  Did  ye  not  know,  what  it  was  to  want 
God,  and  to  lie  open  to  the  furious  assaults  of  the  enemy  ; 
when  ye  felt  no  strength,  nor  knew  whither  to  retire,  to 
keep  out  any  hurt,  any  temptation,  any  vain  thought  and 
imagination,  or  to  give  you  any  grounded  hope  in  the 
goodness  aud  mercy  of  the  Lord  ?  How  did  ye  mourn, 
how  did  ye  cry  out,  aud  pine  away  iu  your  iniquities  day 
and  night !  and  knew  not  which  way  to  look,  nor  what  to 
wait  for!  Are  there  not  among  you,  who  have  known 
16* 


186 


LETTERS  OF 


ISAAC 


PENINGTON. 


this  state,  and  felt  somewhat  of  that  which  I  now  relate? 
Sure  I  am,  there  are  upon  the  earth,  who  can  witness  it 
to  the  full,  whose  mouths  and  hearts  are  now  filled  with  a 
sense  of  the  Lord's  goodness,  and  of  his  great  salvation, 
and  with  deep  and  high  praises  to  his  name. 

But,  my  dear  Friends,  is  there  any  of  you,  (I  know  to 
whom  I  speak,  even,  to  the  sensible,  to  the  diligent,  to  the 
faithful  among  you,)  wlio  cannot  in  truth  witness,  as  in 
God's  presence,  concerning  the  arm  and  power  of  his  sal- 
vation, which  ye  have  often  felt?  insomuch,  that  ye  can 
sing  that  song,  "  He  hath  raised  up  an  horn  of  salvation 
for  us  in  the  house  of  his  servant  David  ;  as  he  spake  by 
the  mouth  of  his  holy  prophets."  Do  ye  not  know  the 
house  of  his  servant  David,  with  the  horn  of  salvation  in 
it,  and  that  horn  raised  up  to  you  for  your  defence  and 
couifort?  Yea,  do  ye  not  daily  feel  the  Lord,  ministering 
out  salvation  to  you  from  it?  Are  not  your  enemies  daily 
overcome  by  the  faith,  which  he  hath  given  you  in  his 
power.  May  I  not  say  to  you,  where  is  the  strength  of 
the  tempter?  Have  ye  not  felt  the  seed  of  the  woman  to 
bruise  the  head  of  the  serpent?  so  that,  in  the  fear  of  the 
Lord,  and  in  the  strength,  virtue,  and  dominion  of  his 
life  manifested  in  you,  ye  can  say,  though  as  yet  some- 
what tremblingly.  Where  are  those  temptations,  those 
lusts,  vain  thoughts,  and  imaginations,  which  once  I  was 
overcome  by  and  overrun  with  ?  Surely,  I  may  speak 
thus ;  for,  I  know  assuredly,  that  the  power  of  the  Lord 
God,  as  it  is  lifted  up  in  any  of  you,  scatters  these,  and 
gives  you  dominion  over  them.  For,  the  life  and  its 
power  is  given  as  a  bulwark  and  weapon  of  war  against 
iniquity  and  its  power ;  and,  where  it  is  received,  it 
opposeth,  warreth,  striveth,  until  it  overcome. 

And,  this  is  that  which  gives  the  victory  and  over- 
coming ;  to  wit,  faith  in  the  seed.  The  seed  felt,  the  soul 
joined  to  it,  faith  in  it  and  from  it  given  to  the  soul. 


LETTERS   OP   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  187 


Then,  it  becomes  the  Leader,  the  mighty  uudertakcr  for 
the  soul,  and  overcomes  its  suares  and  enemies  for  it ; 
and,  when  it  hath  overcome  them,  they  are  overcome 
indeed.  And  then  the  soul  lies  down  in  peace,  dwells  in 
peace,  feeds  on  the  living  nourishment,  in  the  green 
pastures  of  life,  in  peace.  Then  Jerusalem,  the  building 
of  life  in  the  heart,  becomes  a  quiet  habitation,  where 
God  and  the  soul  dwell  sweetly  together;  and  there  is 
nothing  that  hath  power  in  it  to  disturb,  annoy,  or  make 
afraid.  Why  so?  Because  the  Lord  God  of  power  is 
present  thei-e,  stretcheth  out  his  wings  there,  is  a  pillar  of 
cloud  by  day,  and  a  pillar  of  fire  by  night  there !  He 
hath  raised  up  his  glorious  life  in  that  heart,  whereof  he 
is  very  choice ;  and  lie  hath  also  spread  a  defence  over  his 
glory,  with  which  the  soul  is  so  encompassed  and  defended, 
that  it  feels  the  walls  of  this  city  to  be  salvation,  and  its 
gates  praise. 

O  my  soul,  travel  on !  —  O  dear  Friends !  do  ye  also 
travel  on,  into  the  fulness  of  the  glory  of  this  state.  There 
is  no  other  thing  to  be  desired  and  waited  for.  This  is 
your  portion,  both  here  in  this  world,  and  forever.  Thei'c- 
fore,  wait  in  the  seed  of  this  life  ;  wait  to  feel  yet  a  furtlier 
gathering  into  it,  and  a  growing  up  in  it;  and  give  your- 
selves up  to  it,  that  it  may  overspread  and  cover  you. 
And,  the  Lord  God  of  life  daily  open  it,  and  manifest  it 
more  and  more  in  you  and  to  you  :  that  ye  may  l)e  more 
found  in  him,  and  yet  more  acceptable  and  pleasing  in  the 
eyes  of  your  God ;  and  may  sing  praises  unto  him,  not 
only  at  the  foot  of  the  hill,  in  some  true  proportion  and 
measure  of  his  life,  but  in  the  very  heights  of  Zion,  even 
in  the  fulness  of  the  measure  of  your  stature  in  Christ; 
which  ye  are  all  diligently  to  press  ai'tor,  till  ye  arrive  at. 
And  then,  there  is  no  more  to  be  done,  but  to  spread 
abroad  into,  and  drink  in  of,  and  live  in,  the  full  pleasure 
and  safety  of  life,  forever !    Then  may  yc  eat  Ireely  of 


188       LETTERS   OF    ISAAC  PEXIXGTON. 


the  tree  of  life,  whicli  is  in  tlic  midst  of  the  paradise  of 
God,  and  draw  water  witli  joy  out  of  the  wells  of  salva- 
tion ! 

Therefore  feel,  O !  feel  in  sjiirit,  the  mark  of  the  high 
calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus ;  and  be  daily  looking  up 
to  that,  which  quickens  to  God,  and  keeps  fresh  and  lively 
in  him  ;  that  none  of  you  grow  slothful,  drowsy,  or  negli- 
gent, and  so,  unfaithful,  in  relation  to  the  great  talent, 
which  God  hath  put  into  your  hands ;  and  so,  the  Lord 
be  provoked  against  you,  and  suffer  the  enemy  to  tempt 
and  prevail  upon  you  ;  that  a  veil  come  over  your  hearts 
again,  and  the  air  thicken,  and  the  earthly  nature  cover 
the  seed ;  and  he  that  hath  power  in  that  earth  and  over 
that  air,  captivate,  oppress,  entangle,  and  lead  you  back 
from  God  again.  O !  cry  to  the  Lord,  to  keep  the  eye 
open,  and  the  heart  single,  and  the  soul  in  the  true  sense 
and  feeling  ;  that  the  heavenly  voice,  which  drew  you  out 
of  the  earth,  may  be  daily  heard  further  instructing  you, 
and  gathering  you  more  and  more  up  into  Him,  who  is 
your  life.  —  So,  ye  that  fear  the  Lord,  and  love  his  name, 
and  have  tasted  of  his  goodness  and  powerful  salvation, 
O  hate  evil !  All  that  his  light  hath  made  manifest,  and 
drawn  you  from,  O  take  heed  of  ever  dallying  with  again  ! 
O  never  hearken  to  the  tempter !  but  pray  to  the  Father, 
that  ye  may  discern  his  baits,  and  at  no  time  consult  or 
reason  with  him ;  but  still  wait,  in  everything,  to  feel  the 
motion,  guidance,  quickening,  and  sweet,  pure,  heavenly 
leading  of  the  Spirit  of  your  Father! 

Hath  the  Lord  spoken  peace  to  you,  peace  which  pass- 
eth  man's  understanding,  and  only  flows  from  him  ?  hath 
he  given  you  any  proportion  of  this  precious  peace?  O! 
may  he  watch  over  you,  and  preserve  you  iu  that  wisdom, 
in  those  heavenly  instructions,  iu  that  heavenly  life,  divine 
power,  and  holy  conversation,  wherein  ye  met  with  that 
peace,  and  wherein  alone  ye  can  enjoy  and  possess  it!  and 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON.  189 

keep  you  out  of  all  manner  of  sin,  lust,  and  foolishness  of 
the  fleshly  mind  and  spirit;  —  for,  the  peace  is  not  there. 
That  is  the  fruit  of  the  enemy  to  your  peace,  and  it  hath 
of  his  nature  in  it ;  it  always  breaks  your  peace,  and  sows 
distance,  difference  and  division,  between  the  Giver  and 
Maker  of  your  peace  and  you.  Do  ye  not  always  (ye  that 
are  in  the  true  sense,  and  have  received  the  holy  under- 
standing,) feel  it  thus,  and  know  it  to  be  thus  ?  it  is  an 
eternal  truth,  and  the  eternal  eye,  wherever  it  is  opened, 
witnesseth  and  sealeth  to  it.  Therefore,  this  little  thing, 
this  light  of  God  in  you,  to  which  ye  were  first  directed 
and  turned,  which  discovers  all  the  darkness  of  the  enemy, 
and  all  his  deceits  and  devices,  and  keeps  the  minds  of 
those  that  are  stayed  by  it,  —  in  this  wait,  to  this  let  your 
minds  be  still  turned,  and  in  it  still  abide ;  and  the  power 
and  glory  of  eternal  lil'e,  will  daily  more  and  more  appear 
in  you,  yea,  flow  and  break  in  upon  you ;  to  the  filling  of 
your  vessels  with  its  virtue,  and  the  causing  of  your  hearts 
to  abound  with  joy  before  the  Lord,  and  with  thanksgiv- 
ings to  him. 

May  the  God  of  tender  mercies  and  everlasting  compas- 
sions, cause  the  bowels  of  his  love  to  be  daily  yearning 
towards  you  ;  that  you  may  be  nursed  up  with,  the  living 
food,  and  that  which  would  overturn  and  destroy  his  work, 
may  be  opposed ;  that  ye  may  feel  it  daily  go  on,  yea, 
mightily  preserved  and  carried  on  by  him,  even  till  it  be 
finished,  and  the  top  stone  laid  ;  and  your  souls,  in  the 
true  and  full  sense  of  life,  cry,  Grace,  grace,  to  Him  that 
laid  the  foundation,  raised  up,  defended,  and  carried  on 
the  building,  and  now  at  length  had  perfected  it.  And 
thus,  whatsoever  ye  have  hitherto  witnessed  in  measure, 
ye  shall  then  witness  in  fulness ;  and  see,  that  all  the  prom- 
ises of  God  are  of  a  precious  nature,  and  are,  "  yea  and 
amen  "  from  God  to  the  seed. 

May  the  life,  presence,  and  power  of  the  Lord  be  with 


190 


L,  E  T  T  E  I?  S   OF  ISAAC 


PEXINGTON. 


you  in  this  seed  ;  in  yonr  breathings  after  it,  in  yowr  join- 
ings to  it,  in  your  abidings  and  waitings  upon  him  in  it; 
and,  the  Lord  God  give  you  to  breathe  after  it,  give  you 
to  join  to  it,  give  you  to  abide  always,  and  wait  upon  him 
in  it,  and  never  to  hearken  to  and  go  out  after  a  contrary 
spirit  and  wisdom  ;  but  keejJ  you  in  the  simplicity,  lowli- 
ness, humility,  and  tender  spirit  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus, 
to  the  praise  of  his  own  name,  and  preservation  and  joy 
of  your  hearts  before  him  forever,  amen ! 

AVritten,  in  the  tender  bowels  and  motion  of  the  pure 
life,  from  the  phice  of  my  coufiuemeut  in  Aylesbury. 

I.  P. 

1st  of  Tliird  Month,  1G67. 


LETTER  LXXIV. 

The  Holy  Scriptures  not  the  Primary  Rule. 
To  Nathaniel  Stonar. 

Dear  Friend,  —  There  was  somewhat  on  my  heart 
towards  thee  this  morning,  which  I  am  willing  in  truth 
and  uprightness  to  express  to  thee,  as  the  Lord  knoweth. 

There  is  a  great  dispute  between  us  and  professors,  con- 
cerning the  rule;  which  they  hold  forth  the  Scriptures  to 
be.  Now,  truly  I  could  wish,  from  the  depth  of  love  in 
my  heart  to  them,  and  from  my  desire  of  their  good,  that 
the  Scriptures,  rightly  understood  by  them,  were  their  rule; 
and  not  their  own  reasonings,  conceivings,  and  appre- 
hen dings  upon  the  Scriptures.  But  yet,  if  it  were  so, 
they  must  needs  assent  to  me,  that  the  Spirit  of  life, — that 
the  Truth,  which  lives  in  the  heart, — that  the  law,  written 
by  the  finger  of  God  in  the  inward  parts,  —  is  nearer  and 
more  powerful,  than  the  w'ords,  or  outward  relations  con- 


LETTERS   OF    ISAAC   PENINGTON.  191 


ceniitig  those  things  in  the  Scriptures.    There  is  a  meas-' 
ure  of  Jit'e  to  be  received,  —  there  is  the  Spirit  of  life  to 
be  received,  there  is  a  well  of  life,  from  which  pure  life 
springs  up,  to  be  received  and  enjoyed  by  them  that  truly 
and  rightly  believe. 

The  Lord,  in  the  gospel  state,  hath  promised  to  be 
present  with  his  people ;  not  as  a  wayfaring  man,  for  a 
night,  but  to  dwell  in  them  and  walk  in  them.  Yea,  if  they 
be  tempted  and  iu  danger  of  erring,  they  shall  hear  a 
voice  behind  them,  saying,  "This  is  the  way,  walk  in  it." 
Will  they  not  grant  this  to  be  a  rule,  as  well  as  the  Scrip- 
tures? Nay,  is  not  this  a  more  full  direction  to  the  heart, 
.in  that  state,  than  it  can  pick  to  itself  out  of  the  Scrip- 
tures? Truly,  this  ensuing  testimony  is  true,  which  now 
springs  up  in  my  heart  unto  thee,  wliich  is  this:  —  the 
Lord  hath  poured  out  his  spirit  upon  his  sons  and  daugh- 
ters, in  and  by  this  precious  dispensation  of  Truth,  and 
of  the  pure  seed,  which  is  so  despised.  And  the  Spirit, 
which  gave  forth  the  words,  is  greater  than  the  words ; 
therefore,  we  cannot  but  prize  Him  himself,  and  set  Him 
higher  in  our  heart  aud  thoughts,  than  the  words  which 
testify  of  Him,  though  they  also  are  very  sweet  and  pre- 
cious to  our  taste. 

There  was  a  measure  and  rule,  whereunto  the  true  min- 
ister of  Christ  and  the  believing  Gentiles  had  attained, 
by  which  they  were  to  walk ;  as  is  mentioned  in  2  Cor.  x. 
13,  15,  "According  to  the  measure  of  the  rule,  which  God 
hath  distributed  to  us  " — "  according  to  our  rule,"  &c. ; 
and  in  Philippians,  iii.  16,  "  Whereto  we  have  already 
attained,  let  us  walk  by  the  same  rule,  let  us  mind  the 
same  thing;"  as  also  in  Galatians,  vi.  15,  16,  "For,  in 
Christ  Jesus,  neither  circumcision  availeth  any  thing,  nor 
uncircumcision,  but  a  new  creature.  And  as  many  as 
walk  according  to  this  rule,  peace  be  on  them,  and  mercy," 
&c.    Now,  consider  what  that  rule  was.    0 1  that  thou 


192      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  TENINGTON. 


mayest  know  it,  aiul  walk  thereby,  as  they  that  had  re- 
ceived God's  Spirit  did.  For,  I  am  assured  in  my  heart, 
that,  if  thou  receive  God's  Spirit,  and  live  and  walk 
therein,  thou  canst  not  fulfil  the  desires  of  the  flesh ;  but, 
thou  wilt  find  thy  heart  opened  thereby  into  a  true  sense, 
understanding,  and  right  use  of  the  Scriptures.  For,  the 
Scriptures  of  the  New  Testament  were  written  to  the 
saints,  and  cannot  be  truly  or  rightly  understood  or 
made  use  of,  but  as  men  come  into  their  spirit  and  state.* 

*  It  will  scarcfcly  be  supposed  I.  P.  meant,  without  qudification, 
that  we  must  be  saints,  or  be  brought  into  isucli  a  degree  of  religious 
experience  as  that  to  which  the  holy  penman  had  arrived,  before 
we  can  be  benefitted  by  perusing  tlie  sacred  writing.s.  His  mean- , 
ing  appears  to  be  this, — that,  in  order  to  receive  instruction  liereby, 
we  must  let  into  the  mind  somewhat  whicii  can  discover  to  us  good 
and  evil,  which  inclines  us  to  the  one,  and  reproves  for  the  other. 
These  are  the  earliest  operations  of  the  Spirit  of  God  and  of 
Christ,  the  same  Spirit  which  so  erair,ently  ruled  in  the  prophets, 
apostles,  and  saints,  and  now  worketh  in  the  children  of  obedience. 
Undouljtedly,  when  any  have  been  reached  or  impressed  in  reading 
tlie  Holy  Scriptures,  it  has  been,  because  divine  iiglit  beamed  (how- 
ever feebly)  upon  their  souls,  w^hereby  they^  discerned  the  things 
that  belonged  to  their  peace.  For  we  read,  that  "  the  natural  man," 
while  in  that  state,  "  receiveth  not  the  things  of  the  Spirit  of  God  ; " 
and  again,  "  Tiie  tilings  of  God  knoweth  no  man,"  of  or  by  himself, 
"but  the  Spirit  of  God."  1  Cor.  ii.  14  and  11. 

It  seems,  therefore,  very  wholesome  and  necessary  counsel,  to 
direct  the  minds  of  people,  above  all  other  means,  to  the  light 
of  Christ,  to  Christ  in  his  inward  appearance,  as  a  seed  of  life,  or 
quickening  Spirit ;  that,  receiving  him  in  the  way  of  his  coming 
and  operation,  all  the  means  of  his  appointment  may  be  blessed 
to  them  ;  and  thus,  they  may  know  the  things  that  are  freely  given 
them  of  God.  For,  it  is  only  in  proportion  as  men  become  willing 
by  virtue  of  some  degree  of  faith,  to  learn  Christ,  and  to  be  taught 
by  iiiM,  as  the  Truth  is  in  Jesus,  that  they  can,  through  patience  and 
comfort  of  the  Scriptures,  have  hope;  those  precious  testimonies 
having  been  given  fortli  by  Him,  who  is  indeed  the  promise  of  the 
Father,  and  was  to  be  sent  in  the  Son's  name,  to  teach  us  all  things, 
and  to  guide  into  all  Truth. 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


193 


These  things  are  of  great  weight  and  concernment :  the 
Lord  open  and  guide  thy  heart  into  true  satisfaction  in 
tliis  and  other  things  also,  from  the  demonstration  of  his 
own  Spirit ;  that  thou  mayest  be  able  truly  to  say,  as  in 
his  sight,  Now  I  believe  and  understand  things ;  not  be- 
cause tliis  or  that  man  hath  so  said,  but  because  the  Lord, 
who  is  the  Teacher  indeed,  hath  taught  and  assured  my 
heart  concerning  the  Truth  itself,  as  it  is  in  Jesus ;  which 
I  feel  to  be  so,  by  its  living  virtue  and  powerful  operation 
in  and  upon  my  heart. 

This  is  my  desire  for  thee,  who  am  thy  soul's  true  and 
sincere  Friend,  who  would  by  no  means  have  thee  de- 
ceived about  anything  that  concerns  it.  I.  P. 

Reading  Gaol, 
24th  of  Seventh  Month,  1G70. 


LETTER  LXXV. 

On  True,  Living,  Heavenly  Knowledge. 
To  THE  Lady  Conway. 

Dear  Friend,  —  I.  have  heard  both  of  thy  love  to 
Truth,  and  of  thy  great  afflictions  outwardly  ;  both  which, 
occasion  a  sense  concerning  thee,  and  breathings  to  the 
tender  Father  of  my  life  for  thee:  that  thy  heart  may 
know  and  be  joined  to  the  Truth,  and  thou  mayest  live 
and  walk  in  it,  reaping  the  sweet  comfort,  support,  and 
satisfaction,  wliich  God  daily  ministers  in  and  through  it, 
to  his  gathered  and  preserved  ones.  I  am  satisfied  thou 
hast  need  of  comforts  and  support ;  O !  that  thou  mayest 
be  led  thither,  and  be  daily  found  by  the  Lord  there, 
where  the  Comforter  doth  daily  delight  to  supply  the 
17  N 


194 


LETTERS 


OF 


ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


afflicted  and  siifforing  ones,  whether  inwardly  or  out- 
wardly, with  comfort. 

And,  iny  dear  Friend,  take  heed  of  that  wisdom  and 
knowledge  which  is  not  of  the  seed,  and  which  can  be 
held  in  the  n)ind,  without  the  springing  life  of  the  seed. 
The  first  day  I  was  convinced,  I  was  not  only  convinced 
in  my  understanding  concerning  the  seed,  but  I  felt  the 
seed  in  my  heart,  and  my  heart  was  enraptured  with  the 
sense  and  feeling  of  it ;  and,  my  great  cry  to  tlie  Lord 
was,  that  I  might  faithfully  travel,  through  all  the  suffer- 
ings and  death  of  the  other  part,  into  union  with  and 
enjoyment  of  it;  and  that  that  wisdom,  which  was  not  of 
the  pure  living  root  and  nature,  might  die  in  me.  Now, 
how  I  have  been  exercised  and  taught  since,  is  hard  for 
me  to  utter.  What  poverty,  what  weakness,  what  foolish- 
ness I  have  been  led  into !  how  I  have  learned,  in  a  sense, 
out  of  the  reach  of  the  comprehending,  knowing  mind ; 
how  tender  I  have  been  of  every  secret  shining  of  light  in 
my  heart ;  how  the  Lord  hath  taught  and  enabled  me,  to 
pluck  out  my  right  eye,  and  cut  off  my  right  hand,  and 
cast  them  from  me,  that  I  might  not  see  with  that  eye,  nor 
work  with  that  hand,  but  be  greatly  maimed  in  the  sight 
of  men,  and  in  my  own  sight  too. 

O  Friend !  wait  daily  to  feel  the  seed,  to  feel  the  seed 
live  in  thee,  and  the  most  pleasing  part  of  thy  nature  die, 
as  it  can  live  out  of  the  seed.  O  that  thou  couldst  change 
all  old  knowledge,  for  that  which  is  new  and  living !  The 
seed  is  the  well :  receive  the  seed,  then  thou  receivest  the 
well :  let  it  spring,  wait  for  its  springing,  wait  to  know  its 
springing :  bear  all  the  trials  and  judgments,  which  the 
Father  of  life  sees  necessary,  to  prei)are  the  heart  for  its 
springing.  O  feel  that  which  litnits  and  subdues  thoughts, 
and  brings  them  into  captivity  and  subjection!  Be  not 
exercised  in  things  too  high  for  thee; — ; David,  the  man 
after  God's  own  heart,  who  was  wiser  than  his  teachers, 
was  not ;  —  but,  come  out  of  knowledge  into  feeling,  and 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


195 


tliere  thou  wilt  find  the  true  knowledge  given, —  arising, 
springing,  and  covering  thy  heart,  as  the  waters  cover  the 
sea.  And,  still  wait  to  be  taught  of  God,  to  distinguish 
between  the  outwardness  of  knowledge, —  the  notional 
part  of  the  thing  know  n,  as  it  can  be  comprehended  in  the 
mind, — and  the  life  of  it,  as  it  is  felt  and  abides  in  the  heart. 

The  Lord  God  of  my  life  be  thy  Teacher ;  point  thy 
mind  to  the  pure  seed  of  the  kingdom,  and  open  it  in 
thee  ;  —  make  thee  so  little,  that  thou  mayest  enter  into 
it,  and  keep  thee  so  low  and  poor,  that  thou  mayest  abide 
in  it ;  managing  these  troublesome  times  in  the  outward, 
for  thy  advantage  in  the  inward ;  that  the  city  and  temple 
of  the  living  God  may  be  built  in  it,  and  thou  mayest 
know  him  daily  dwelling  and  walking  therein.  Thus, 
mayest  thou  be  married  to  the  Lord,  and  become  one  spirit 
with  him  ;  finding  that  daily  removing  from  thee,  [which 
is  to  be  removed,  eveu]  bj>the  mighty  arm  and  pure  ope- 
ration of  his  Spirit,  till  all  that  is  contrary  be  done  away ; 
then,  may  thy  soul  dwell  with  its  Beloved,  in  fulness  of 
joy,  life,  and  peace  for  evermore. 

This  is  from  the  tender  love,  and  fresh  breathings  of 
life,  in  thy  soul's  true  Friend,  and  most  hearty  well- 
wisher.  I.  P. 

17th  of  Third  Month,  1677. 

Note.  —  Respecting  the  interesting  character  addressed  in  this 
and  two  otiier  letters,  (see  pages  107  and  109,)  tlie  editor  regrets 
he  lias  not  been  able  to  procure  information,  beyond  wliat  follows. 
George  Fox,  in  liis  Journal,  about  the  year  1677,  writes,  "I  had 
meetings  at  Pershore  and  Evesliam ;  then  struck  to  liagley  in 
'Warwickshire,  to  visit  the  Lady  Conway,  who  I  understood  was 
very  desirous  to  see  me,  and  whom  I  found  tender  and  loving,  and 
willing  to  have  detained  me  longer  tlian  I  had  freedom  to  stay." 
It  is  also  .stated,  in  an  authentic  manuscrij)!  respecting  Kobert  Bar- 
clay, the  ApologiU;  that  the  meeting-liouse,  belonging  to  Friends  at 
Aberdeen,  wjs  "  mostly  bought  witii  liis  own  money,  and  some  by 
his  means  obtained  from  the  Countess  of  Conway,  one  of  the  same 
permasion  in  luigland,"  &c. 


196      LETTEES   OF  ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


LETTER  LXXVI. 

On  Disputation  ;  and  on  Hearing  Wisdom's  Voice.    Also  Respect- 
ing the  Puritan  State. 

To  E.  Terry. 

Friend, — If  the  Lord  hath  extended  favour  to  thee 
and  shown  thee  mercy,  I  therein  rejoice  on  thy  .behalf. 

Thy  desire,  that  what  thou  wrotest  may  be  looked  upon 
as  nothing,  and  that  no  contest  may  be  raised  from  it,  I 
am  content  fully  to  answer  thee  in ;  nor  do  I  desire  to 
have  any  advantage  against  thee,  nor  art  thou  at  all  dis- 
paraged in  my  thoughts  by  what  thou  hast  written,  but  it 
is  in  my  heart  as  nothing,  and  my  love  flows  to  thee ;  for, 
I  take  notice  of  thy  seriousness  and  what  I  have  unity 
with  in  this  letter,  and  overlook  the  other. 

As  touching  disputes,  indeed,  I  have  no  love  to  them  : 
Truth  did  not  enter  my  heart  that  way,  nor  do  I  expect  to 
propagate  it  in  others  that  way ;  yet,  sometimes  a  neces- 
sity is  laid  upon  me,  for  the  sake  of  others.  And  truly, 
when  I  do  feel  a  necessity,  I  do  it  in  great  fear ;  not  trust- 
ing in  my  spear  or  bow,  I  mean,  in  strong  arguments  or 
wise  considerations,  which  I  (of  myself)  can  gather  or 
comprehend  ;  but,  I  look  up  to  the  Lord  for  the  guidance, 
help,  and  demonstration  of  his  Spirit^  that  way  may  be 
made  thereby  in  men's  hearts  for  the  pure  seed  to  be 
reached  to,  wherein  the  true  conviction,  and  thorough  con- 
version of  the  soul  to  God,  is  witnessed.  I  had  far  rather 
be  feeling  Christ's  life.  Spirit,  and  power  in  my  own  heart, 
than  disputing  with  others  about  them. 

Christians  that  truly  fear  the  Lord,  have  a  proportion 
of  the  primitive  Spirit ;  and,  if  they  could  learn  to  watch 
and  wait  there,  where  God  works  the  fear,  th'ey  would 


LETTEUS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


197 


daily  receive  more  and  more  of  it,  and,  in  it,  understand 
more  and  more  the  true  intent  and  preciousness  of  the 
words  of  the  Holy  Scriptures.  He  that  will  truly  live  to 
God,  must  hear  wisdom's  voice  within,  at  home,  in  his  own 
heart ;  and  he  that  will  have  her  words  made  known,  and 
her  spirit  poured  out  to  him,  must  turn  at  her  reproof. 
Prov.  i.  23.  Indeed,  I  never  knew,  and  am  satisfied  that 
none  else  can  know,  the  jireciousness  of  this  lesson,  till 
they  are  taught  it  of  the  Lord. 

There  is  one  thing  more  on  my  heart  to  express,  occa- 
sioned by  thy  last  letter,  which  is  this :  —  I  have  more 
unity  in  my  heart  and  spirit  before  the  Lord,  with  the 
Puritan  state,  than  with  the  churches  and  gatherings, 
which  men  have  built  up  and  run  into  since.  Indeed, 
men  have  enlarged  their  knowledge  and  comprehension 
of  things ;  but,  that  truth  of  heart,  that  love,  that  tender- 
ness, that  unity  upon  Truth's  account,  which  was  then 
amongst  them,  many  have  made  shipwreck  of,  and  do  not 
now  know  the  state  of  their  own  souls,  nor  Truth  in  the 
life  and  power  of  it.  This  principle  of  life  and  truth  was 
near  me,  as  well  as  others ;  yea,  with  me  in  that  day;  but, 
I  wandered  from  it  into  outward  knowledge,  and,  with 
great  seriousness,  into  a  way  of  congregational  worship, 
and  thereby  came  to  a  great  loss ;  and  at  length,  for  want 
of  the  Lord's  presence,  2>ower,  and  manifestation  of  his 
love,  was  sick  at  heart.  But  now,  the  Lord,  in  great  love 
and  tender  mercy,  having  brought  me  back  to  the  same 
principle,  and  fixed  my  spirit  therein  ;  I  discern  the  truth 
and  beauty  of  that  former  estate,  with  the  several  runnings 
out  from  it ;  and  find  what  was  true  or  false  therein,  dis- 
covered to  me  by  the  holy  anointing,  which  appears  and 
teaches  in  that  princijile.  And,  Friend,  it  is  not  a  notion 
of  light,  which  my  heart  is  engaged  to  testify  to  ;  but,  that 
which  enlivens,  that  which  opens,  that  which  gives  to  see, 
that  wherein  the  joower  of  life  is  felt.  For  truly,  in  the 
17* 


198      LETTERS    OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


opening  of  my  heart  by  the  pure  power,  was  I  taught  to 
see  and  own  the  principle  and  seed  of  life,  and  to  know  its 
way  of  appearance ;  and  so,  can  faithfully  and  certainly 
testify,  that  that  which  is  divine,  spiritual,  and  heavenly, 
is  nearer  man  than  he  is  aware,  as  well  as  that  which  is 
earthly  and  selfish. 

O  Friend  !  if  thou  canst  not  yet  see  and  own  the  princi- 
ple and  seed  of  Christ's  life  and  Spirit,  nor  discern  his 
appearance  therein  ;  yet  take  heed  of  fighting  against  it; 
for  indeed,  if  thou  dost,  thou  fightest  against  no  less  than 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  himself  I.  P. 


LETTEK  LXXVII. 

Advice  as  to  Self-deceit.  On  the  Unity  of  the  Spirit.   The  Younger 
are  to  submit  to  tlie  Elder 

To  Miles  Stanclif. 

Dear  M.  S., —  Thou  art  often  in  my  heart ;  and  indeed, 
I  do  many  times  bow  unto  the  Father  of  spirits,  for  the 
preservation  of  whatever  is  good  in  thee,  for  the  clear  dis- 
covery to  thee  of  what  is  not  of  his  pure  life,  and  for  the 
separation  of  thy  mind  from  it;  that  the  life  of  Christ 
may  conquer  in  thee,  and  thou  thereby  be  fully  redeemed 
to  the  Lord.  I  often  inquire  after  thee ;  and,  when  I  hear 
of  any  tenderness  or  diligence  in  thee  towards  the  Truth, 
my  heart  rejoiceth  therein. 

Dear  Friend,  deceit  is  very  deep,  and  hath  much  pre- 
vailed ;  but,  the  Lord  is  gathering  out  of  it,  and  prepar- 
ing such,  by  the  power  of  his  life,  against  future  snares. 
O  dear  Friend  !  take  heed  of  thy  own  wisdom,  thy  own 
sense,  thy  own  judgment,  which  thou  mayest  easily, 
through  mistake,  call  the  Lord's :  but,  to  have  all  that  is 


LETTERS    OF    ISAAC   PEXINGTON.  199 

of  self  searched  out  and  brought  under,  and  the  raiud 
made  truly  sensible  of,  and  fully  subject  to  the  life  in 
ever}'  thing, —  this  is  a  sore  travel ;  and  it  is  very  hard  to 
come  hither,  through  all  deceits  and  entanglements.  The 
Lord  entirely  join  thy  mind  to  that,  and  preserve  thee  in 
that,  which  gives  thee  at  any  time  a  sense  of  Truth,  and 
of  those  who  are  in  the  Truth  :  these  are  to  be  known  and 
honoured  in  the  Lord,  according  to  their  growth.  And, 
take  heed  of  that  which  prejudices  and  disjoins ;  but  feel 
and  cleave  to  that  which  uniteth  in  love,  life,  and  pure 
power.  Know  that  unity  and  fellowship,  which  is  in  the 
Spirit ;  and  keep  it,  keep  it  in  the  bond  of  pure  peace : 
and  take  heed,  O  forever  take  heed  of  whatever  would 
break  the  bond !  but,  that  which  makes  of  one  mind  and 
one  judgment,  one  heart  and  one  soul,  that  is  the  living 
principle,  that  is  the  living  power,  which  all  the  members 
of  the  body  are  to  inhabit  and  be  one  in.  And,  watch 
against  the  reasonings  of  the  mind,  and  the  thoughts  of 
thy  heart ;  watch  to  the  sense,  which  riseth  up  in  the  fear, 
in  the  love,  in  the  humility,  that  thou  mayest  feel  the 
leadings  of  God's  Spirit,  and  come  through  all  that  stands 
in  thy  way ;  having  the  help  of  all  whom  the  Lord  hath 
ordained,  and  made  able  to  be  helpers  to  thee.  For,  life 
is  not  to  be  limited,  but  we  are  to  be  limited  by  that  which 
is  of  the  life  ;  and,  in  cases  of  doubt,  it  is  the  ordinance  of 
the  Lord,  for  the  weak  to  receive  counsel  and  help  from 
the  strong,  and  for  the  lesser  to  be  watched  over  and  blessed 
by  the  greater, —  by  such  as  are  more  grown  in  the  life, 
and  into  the  power. 

So,  the  Lord  God  Almighty  lead  thee  fully  into,  and 
preserve  thee  perfectly  in,  the  way  everlasting ! 

Thy  Friend  in  the  true  love,  I.  P. 

16th  of  Third  Mouth,  1668. 


200      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PEKIXGTON. 


LETTER  LXXVIII. 

The  Loving-Kindness  of  the  Lord. 
To  Elizabeth  Walmsley,  of  Giles  Chalfoxt. 

Dear  Friexd,  —  The  thoughts  of  thee  are  pleasant  to 
me  ;  indeed,  I  am  melted  with  the  sense  of  the  Lord's  love 
to  thee,  as  to  my  own  soul. 

What  were  we,  that  the  Lord  should  stretch  forth  his 
arm  to  us,  and  gather  us  ?  And  what  are  we,  that  the 
Lord  should  daily  remember  us,  in  the  issuiugs  forth  of 
his  loving-kindness  and  mercies  ?  O  his  pity,  his  compas- 
sion !  —  (must  I  forever  say,)  —  that  my  soul  yet  lives, 
and  hath  hope  before  him !  And,  canst  not  thou  also  say 
the  same  ?  O  my  Friend !  we  feel  mercy  and  salvation 
from  the  Lord.  O  that  he  might  have  pure  praise  and 
service  from  his  own  in  us !  and  yet,  that  will  be  little 
thanks  to  us,  but  rather  a  new  mercy  received  from  him. 
But,  all  is  his  own,  and  of  his  own  do  we  give  him,  —  and 
that,  only  when  he  quickens,  helps,  and  enables  us  to  give. 
Dear  Friend,  ray  desire  for  thee  is,  that  the  power  and 
blessings  of  life  maj-  descend  upon  thee,  and  that  thou 
mayest  feel  thy  God  near,  and  thy  heart  still  ready  to  let 
him  in,  and  shut  against  all  that  is  of  a  contrary  nature  to 
his  ;  that  thou  mayest  know  that  death  passing  upon  thee, 
and  perfected  in  thee,  which  prepares  for,  and  lets  into, 
the  i'ulness  of  his  jiure,  unspotted  life. 

Thou  mayest  commend  my  dear  love  to  thy  sister,  and 
to  all  Friends,  as  thou  hast  opportunity,  who  breathe  after 
the  Lord,  and  desire  in  uprightness  of  heart  to  walk  with 
him. 

I  am  thy  Friend,  in  the  affection  which  is  of  the  Truth, 

I.  P. 

Aylesbuhy, 
20th  of  Fourth  Month,  1666, 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  201 


LETTER  LXXIX. 

On  Confessing  Clirist  before  Men,  &c. 
To  Elizabeth  Stonae. 

Dear  Feienb, — Whose  life  in  the  Lord,  and  prosperity 
ill  the  Truth,  my  heart  greatly  desireth  ;  even,  that  thou 
mayest  come  to  the  perfect  service,  and  free  and  full  en- 
joyment of  thy  soul's  Beloved  ;  in  which,  if  I  could  be  iii 
any  way  helpful  to  thee,  my  heart  would  greatly  rejoice 
and  bless  the  Lord.  This  morning,  when  I  awoke,  my 
heart  was  exercised  before  the  Lord  concerning  thee  ;  and 
several  things  did  spring  up  in  my  mind  relating  to  thee, 
which  I  may  now  signify  to  thee,  as  the  Lord  shall  please 
to  bring  them  again  to  my  mind,  and  open  them  in  iny 
lieart  in  reference  to  thee.  I  would  fain  have  thee  rightly 
understand,  and  be  found  doing,  what  the  Lord  requires 
of  thee ;  that  it  may  go  well  with  thee,  and  that  thy  heart 
may  be  sittisfied,  and  thy  soul  blessed,  in  believing  and 
obeying  the  Trutii  as  it  is  in  Jesus. 

The  first  thing  that  rose  up  in  my  heart  concerning 
thee,  this  morning,  was,  about  confessing  Christ  before 
men.  It  is  a  great  duty,  and  I  would  not  have  thee  mis- 
take about  it,  or  fail  in  it ;  but  diligently  wait  on  God  to 
know  what  it  is,  and  faithfully  to  practise  it  in  thy  state 
and  place ;  which,  if  thou  do,  thou  wilt  find  life  and  bless- 
edness flowing  with  it  upon  thy  soul. 

After  this,  several  Scriptures,  sweet  and  precious  to  ray 
taste,  sprang  up  in  my  heart  to  lay  before  thy  view ;  that 
thou  also  raightst  suck  sweetness,  and  reap  benefit  through 
the  living  sense  of  them,  and  the  bowing  of  thy  spirit  to 
what  the  Lord  shall  please  to  make  manifest  to  thee 
thereby. 

The  first  Scripture  that  sprang  up  in  me  to  thee,  was 


202      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTOJT. 


that  of  Rom.  xii.  2,  not  to  be  conformed  to  this  world,  but 
to  be  transformed  by  the  renewing  of  thy  mind,  that  thou 
raayest  prove  that  good,  tliat  acceptable,  and  perfect  will 
of  God.  Thou  must  stand  at  a  distance  from  the  spirit  of 
this  world,  thou  must  not  touch  the  unclean  thing,  but  be 
a  chaste  virgin  in  heart,  in  word,  in  conversation  ;  if  thou 
expect  to  be  married  to  the  Lamb,  to  become  one  spirit 
with  him,  to  know  his  mind,  and  to  enjoy  the  love  and  be 
the  delight  of  his  Father. 

The  next  Scripture  in  my  heart,  was  Rev.  ii.  10,  "  Fear 
none  of  those  things  which  thou  shalt  suffer."  Upon  which 
Scripture,  this  question  rose  in  my  heart  to  thee.  Dost  not 
thou  fear  the  sufferings  which  may  attend  thee,  in  thy  state 
and  place,  for  Truth's  sake?  Dost  not  thou  look  out  at 
them  ?  If  thou  do,  it  will  weaken  thy  faith,  and  be  a  snare 
to  thee ;  and  such  a  beam  in  thy  eye,  that  thou  wilt  never 
be  able  to  see  that  particular  way  and  path  of  Truth,  which 
is  most  proper  for  thy  soul,  till  this  beam  be  plucked  out 
and  separated  from  thee. 

Unto  this,  was  soon  added  that  of  Isaiah,  li.  12, 13.  "  I, 
even  I,  am  he  that  comforteth  you :  who  art  thou,  that 
thou  shouldst  be  afraid  of  a  man  that  shall  die,  and  of  the 
son  of  man  which  shall  be  made  as  grass ;  and  forgettest 
the  Lord  thy  Maker,  that  hath  stretched  forth  the  hea- 
vens, and  laid  the  foundations  of  the  earth  ;  and  hast 
feared  continually  every  day,  because  of  the  fury  of  the 
oppressor,  as  if  he  were  ready  to  destroy  ?  and  where  is 
the  fury  of  the  oppressor?"  O  take  heed  of  distrusting 
the  Comforter,  thy  Comforter !  who  is  able  and  ready  to 
help  and  comfort  the  souls  of  his,  in  the  sorest  distresses 
and  oppressions  that  can  befall  them,  either  within  or 
without.  And,  consider  this  also,  that  forgetting  the 
Lord,  is  the  necessary  consequence  of  fearing  man.  It 
cannot  be,  but  that,  he  that  feareth  man  should  in  some 
measure  or  degree  forget  the  Lord, —  his  love,  his  wisdom, 


LETTERS   OF    IS.VAC   PEXINGTON.  203 


his  power,  his  goodness,  his  faithfulness  to,  and  tender  care 
over  his  children  iu  their  following  him, —  especially,  in 
the  midst  of  the  cruel  hardships  and  sufferings,  which 
often  befall  them  therein. 

The  next  was  Samson's  riddle,  Judges,  xiv.  14,  "  Out  of 
the  eater  came  forth  meat,  and  out  of  the  strong  came 
forth  sweetness."  It  is  everlastingly  true,  both  inwardly 
and  outwardly,  to  the  children  of  the  Most  High,  who  live 
iu  his  Spirit,  and  walk  in  his  Sjjirit,  and  are  guided  by 
the  power  and  virtue  of  his  life.  Every  thing  that  would 
devour  and  destroy  them,  the  Lord  destroyeth,  by  the 
power  and  virtue  of  his  life. and  Spirit  springing  up  in 
them;  and,  out  of  that  which  is  strong  against  them,  which 
roars  against  them  iu  the  strength  and  power  of  darkness, 
the  Lord  brings  forth  sweetness  in  and  to  their  spirits. 

Then,  that  of  Luke,  ix.  23,  24,  came  before  me,  (which 
is  said  to  all  that  hear  Christ's  voice  and  blessed  counsel,) 
"  If  any  man  will  come  after  me,  let  him  deny  himself,  and 
take  up  his  cross  daily,  and  follow  me.  For,  whosoever 
will  save  his  life  shall  lose  it;  but  whosoever  will  lose  his 
life  for  my  sake,  the  same  shall  save  it."  ^>ow,  I  beseech 
thee,  consider ;  dost  thou  take  up  the  daily  cross,  and  bear 
it  faithfully  for  Christ's  sake?  Dost  thou  stand  a  foithful 
witness  against  the  spirit  of  darkness,  and  works  of  dark- 
ness, where  thou  livest  ?  Dost  thou  not  comply  with  any 
worsliip  there,  which  thy  heart  knoweth  to  be  out  of  the 
Truth  and  Sjiirit  of  life,  wherein  all  true,  holy,  living 
spiritual  worship,  can  alone  be  performed  ?  Oh !  take 
heed  of  shunning  the  cross  in  any  respect ;  for  then,  thou 
givest  way  to  unbelief,  and  to  that  wisdom,  thouglits, 
reasonings,  and  judgment,  which  are  not  of  the  Truth,  but 
of  the  flesh :  shunning  that,  which  God  hath  appointed  to 
crucify  sin  in  the  heart,  and  under  which  the  seed  is  to 
spring  up  and  live,  which  is  the  power  of  God  unto  salva- 
tion, to  all  that  abide  under  it,  and  daily  bear  it. 


204 


LETTERS 


OP  ISAAC 


PENINGTON. 


The  lust  Scripture,  wliicli  at  this  time  sprang  up  iu  me 
to  thee,  was  that  very  sweet  one  in  Solomon's  Song  of 
Songs,  chap.  i.  ver.  7,  8,  "  Tell  me,  O  thou  whom  ray  soul 
loveth,  where  thou  feedest,  where  thou  makest  thy  flock  to 
rest  at  noon  :  for,  why  should  I  be  as  one  that  turneth 
aside  by  the  flocks  of  thy  companions  ?  If  thou  know  not, 
O  thou  fairest  among  women,  go  thy  way  forth  by  the 
footsteps  of  the  flock,  and  feed  thy  kids  beside  the  shep- 
herd's tent."  If  thou  wouldst  come  to  the  feeding-place  of 
the  flock,  and  to  rest  in  the  pure  life,  power,  and  righteous- 
ness of  the  Lord  with  them ;  thou  rnust  mind  their  foot- 
steps, thou  must  go  forth  out  of  that,  which  God  hath 
gathered  and  led  them  forth  out  of,  thou  must  forsake 
whatever  is  not  of  the  Father,  but  of  this  world,  (and,  in 
forsaking  it,  stand  a  witness  against  the  world,)  as  God 
hath  taught  them  to  forsake  it.  Thou  must  wait  for  the 
same  Spirit,  for  the  same  cloud  and  smoke  by  day,  and 
the  shining  of  the  same  flaming  fire  by  night,  to  lead  thee 
and  preserve  thee,  which  hath  led  and  preserved  them  ; 
see  Isai.  iv.  5.  And  this  will  lead  thee  out  of  the  same 
Egypt  and  Sedom,  and  all  the  remainders  of  Babylon, 
wherein  as  yet  thou  mayest  be  held  captive ;  and  this 
alone  must  break  the  oppressing  spirit  and  power  which 
stands  iu  thy  way,  through  thy  faithful  sufferings  under  it. 
And,  through  the  same  wilderness  and  righteous  judg- 
ments of  the  Lord,  must  thou  pass,  that  they  have  passed. 
For,  Zion  and  her  converts  must  be  redeemed  with  judg- 
ment and  righteousness,  and  with  the  spirit  of  burning, 
and  the  pain  of  the  cross ;  nor  dost  thou  know,  how  thou 
standest  in  the  way  of  thy  own  soul's  good,  while  thou  in 
any  measure  avoidest  or  escapest  it.  And,  if  thou  be  one 
of  the  called,  chosen,  and  faithful,  following  fully  after  the 
Lord,  in  the  same  Spirit,  and  power,  and  banner  of  the 
cross,  under  which  his  called,  chosen,  and  faithful  ones 
have  followed  him  ;  he  will  lead  thee  into  the  same  land 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  205 


of  lifo,  rest,  peace,  and  holy  dominion  over  sin  and  Satan, 
into  wliieli  he  hath  led  those,  who  have  faithliilly  followed 
the  Lamb,  whithersoever  he  hath  pleased  to  go  before,  and 
lead  thera.  So,  thou  must  wait  to  have  thy  heart  daily 
more  and  more  opened,  and  guided  purely,  and  liviugly, 
and  sensibly  by  the  Lord,  into  what  he  hath  led  his  chil- 
dren, servants,  family,  and  redeemed  heritage.  For,  of  a 
truth,  the  Lord  hath  raised  the  seed  of  life  iu  his  people ; 
and  what  his  seed  denies,  what  the  life  of  the  Sou  denies, 
what  Truth  iu  the  heart  denies,  all  that  are  of  the  Truth 
and  in  the  Truth,  will  be  taught  by  it,  and  learu  of  it,  to 
deny  also. 

Thus,  ray  dear  Frieud,  in  the  most  dear,  tender,  aud  true 
love,  have  I  opened  my  heart  to  thee,  as  things  sprang  iu 
me  for  thy  sake  :  and  the  desire  of  my  soul  to  the  Lord  is, 
that  they  may  be  serviceable  to  thee,  and  that  thou  rpay- 
est  be  led  by  the  holy  leading  Spirit  more  and  more  into 
Truth,  and  live  in  Truth,  and  feel  the  life  of  Truth  liviug 
and  reigning  in  thee;  being  delivered  from  the  enemy's 
temptatious,  and  the  subtle  twinings  of  the  serpent,  which 
thy  condition  will  often  meet  with :  the  Lord  discover 
them  to  thee,  and  preserve  thee  from  being  ensnared  with 
them. 

Thy  coustant  Frieud,  in  the  dear  love  and  service  of  the 
Truth,  I.  P. 

Amersham,  Bury  End, 
20th  of  Fii-st  Month,  1675. 
18 


206       LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


LETTER  LXXX. 

Observations  on  tlie  Ministry. 

To  A  Near  Relative. 

Dear  ,  —  The  gospel  is  the  power  of  God  uuto  sal- 
vation ;  it  is  tlie  glad  tidings  of  freedom  from  sin,  of  put- 
ting off  the  body  of  sin  by  the  ciicumcision  and  baptism 
of  tlie  Spirit,  of  being  delivered  out  of  the  hands  of  our 
spiritual  enemies,  that  we  may  serve  God,  (without  fear  of 
tliem  any  more,)  in  holiness  and  righteousness  all  the  days 
of  our  life. 

The  niinisters  of  the  gospel  are  those,  who,  in  the  Spirit 
of  Christ,  by  the  gift  and  inspiration  thereof,  preach  these 
tidings  to  the  poor  and  needy,  to  the  captives,  to  those  that 
groan  under  the  pressure  of  the  body  of  corruption. 

This  gospel,  through  the  great  mercy  of  God,  I  have  at 
length  heard  preached ;  and  1  have  not  heard  man,  but 
the  voice  of  my  Beloved  ;  whose  voice  is  welcome  to  me, 
though  in  the  meanest  boy,  or  most  contemptible  female. 
For,  in  Christ,  there  is  neither  male  nor  female ;  nor  should 
Lis  Spirit,  which  is  not  limited  to  males,  be  quenched  in 
any.  And  though  thou,  through  pi'ejudice,  call  this  speak- 
ing of  the  Spirit  through  servants  aud  handmaids,  prating, 
yet  the  Lord  can  forgive  thee ;  for  surely,  if  thou  knew 
wliat  thou  didst  herein,  thou  wouldst  not  thus  offend  the 
Lord;  —  extolling  preaching  by  man's  wisdom,  from  a  min- 
ister made  by  man,  for  gospel-preaching,  and  condemning 
the  preaching  of  persons  sent  by  God,  in  the  immediate 
inspiration  of  his  Spirit.  I  am  confident,  if,  without  preju- 
dice, and  in  the  fear  of  God,  thou  didst  once  hear  such, 
thou  wouldst  not  be  able  to  forbear  saying  in  thy  heart, 
It  is  the  voice  of  God,  of  a  truth ;  —  but,  that  which  hath 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTOK.  207 


not  tlie  sliccp's  ear,  can  never  own  the  voice  of  tlie  true 
Shepherd. 

As  for  those,  wliom  thou  callcst  ministers,  if  I  should 
speak  concerning  them,  the  very  truth  from  tlie  mouth  of 
the  Lord,  thou  couldst  not,  in  that  state  whereiu  thou  stand- 
est,  receive  it ;  yet,  am  I  far  from  accounting  them  the  off- 
scouring  of  the  earth;  for,  I  look  upon  them  as  wise  and 
knowing,  and  as  of  great  beauty  in  the  earthly  learning 
and  wisdom  ;  but  surely,  not  as  having  "  the  tongue  of  the 
learned,"  "  to  speak  a  word  in  season  to  him  that  is  Aveary ;  " 
nay,  they  are  men  unlearned  in  this  kind  of  learning,  and 
such  as  toss,  and  tear,  and  wi'est  the  Scripture,  in  their  un- 
certain reasonings  and  guessings  about  the  sense  of  it,  and 
in  the  various  doubtful  interpretations  they  give. 

And,  whereas  I  am  blamed,  for  not  putting  a  difference 
between  the  profane  and  scandalous  ministers,  and  the 
reverend  and  godly  sort.;  my  answer  is,  They  are  united 
in  one  ministry  :  and  the  question  is  not  concerning  the 
persons,  but  the  ministry ;  in  which  they  are  one,  —  their 
call  one,  their  maintenance  one,  their  way  of  worship  and 
preaching  one,  their  standing  and  power  of  government 
one  ;  which  is  not  by  the  power  and  presence  of  the  Spirit, 
but  by  the  strength  of  the  magistrate.  But,  the  true  gos- 
pel and  ministry  is  spiritual,  and  cannot  stand,  nor  be 
upheld  by  that  which  is  carnal,  neither  in  its  call,  main- 
tenance, government,  or  what  else  belongs  to  it.  When 
Christ  came  in  the  flesh,  the  words  he  pronounced,  were 
not  so  much  against  the  profane  and  scandalous  among 
the  Scribes  and  Pharisees  ;  but  against  those  that  ap- 
peared most  strict,  and  were  accounted  among  the  Jews 
the  most  reverend  and  godly.  And,  were  it  not  for  the 
appearance  of  godliness  in  these  men,  the  persecution  of 
the  present  times  had  not  been  so  hot,  the  good  old  cause 
so  lost,  and  the  work  of  reformation,  (inasmuch  as  relates 
to  men,)  so  overturned  as  at  this  day.  O  !  there  was 


208       LETTERS   OF    ISAAC  PENJNGTON. 


once  a  good  thing  in  divers  of  them,  which  ray  soul  would 
rejoice  to  see  revived  ;  but,  as  the  seat  of  government  eat 
out  the  good  that  was  in  the  bishops,  so  gaping  after  the 
seat  of  government  hath  sunk  the  good  thing  in  others 
also  ;  and  made  their  eye  so  dim,  that  they  cannot  see  the 
mighty  brealiings  forth  of  the  Spirit  of  Christ  in  his 
people.  I.  P. 


LETTER  LXXXI. 

Of  Love,  Humility,  and  Order  among  Friends.    Also  of 
Persecution. 

To  A  Near  Eelative. 

Ah  !  Dear  , — Why  dost  thou  so  often  give  me  oc- 
casion of  mourning  before  the  Lord,  on  account  of  hard 
and  unrighteous  charges  from  thee !  How  often  have  I 
solemnly  professed,  that  there  v!i\s  never  any  desire  in  me, 
or  endeavour  used  by  me,  to  draw  thee  to  this  way  [of  i-e- 
ligious  profession].  All  that  is  in  my  soul  is  this, —  that 
thou  miglitst  have  the  true  knowledge  of  Chri.st,  that  thou 
niightst  indeed  hear  his  sayings  and  do  them,  and  not  set 
u])  thy  own  or  other  men's  imaginations  and  invented  reas- 
onings, instead  of  the  sayings  of  Christ. 

Now,  though  I  am  not  for  ways  or  opinions,  but  only 
for  Christ,  the  substance,  the  living  power  of  God  in  the 
heart ;  yet,  because  thou  sturablest  at  these  things,  and, 
through  prejudice,  refusest  the  living  testimony  of  God 
concerning  Christ  the  Rock,  building  upon  that  which  thou 
hast  imagined  concerning  the  Saviour,  —  in  love  and  pity 
to  thy  soul,  I  cannot  but  say  somewhat ;  —  for,  who  knows, 
.but  God  may  at  length  give  thee  repentance  to  the  ac- 
knowledgment of  the  Truth,  and  to  the  disclaiming  of  the 
way  of  error. 


LETTERS  OF 


ISAAC 


PENINGTON. 


209 


Thou  layest  down  three  reasons,  why  thou  canst  not 
believe  this  way  to  be  of  God. 

First.   That  God's  way  is  a  way  of  love,  peace,  and  tm  ity. 

Answer.  If  thou  hadst  that  eye  which  can  see  the  things 
of  God,  and  didst  apply  thyself  to  look  therewith,  thou 
mightst  see  that  peace,  that  love,  that  unity  among  this 
people,  [Friends,]  which  other  men  do  but  talk  of.  But, 
if  thou  take  things  by  the  report  of  the  enemies  both  to 
God  and  them,  thou  shalt  be  sure  to  hear  and  believe  bad 
enough. 

They  have  no  war  with  anything  but  unrighteousness, 
and  with  that  they  cannot  have  peace,  no,  not  in  their 
dearest  relations.  They  love  the  souls  of  their  enemies, 
and  think  no  pains  or  hazard  too  much  for  the  saving  of 
them ;  being  persecuted,  they  bless,  being  reviled,  they 
entreat,  and  pray  for  their  persecutors.  They  are  at  unity 
with  whatever  is  of  God,  but  with  the  seed  of  the  serpent 
they  cannot  be  at  unity;  they  know  the  "generation  of 
vipers  "  in  this  present  age,  and  can  witness  against  them 
under  their  several  painted  coverings,  as  freely  as  ever 
Christ  and  his  apostles  did  against  the  Scribes  and  Pliari- 
sees.  For,  the  spirit  of  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees  is  now 
in  the  world,  as  is  also  the  Spirit  of  Christ  and  his  apostles, 
and  they  cannot  but  fight,  each  with  tlieir  proper  weapons ; 
the  one  with  their  stocks,  whips,  fines,  prisons,  &c.,  the 
other  with  the  spiritual  armour  of  Christ.  Thus,  the  one 
of  these  wrestles  with  flesli  and  blood,  fights  with  the  crea- 
ture, hurts  that;  the  other  loves  the  creature,  seeks  the 
saving  of  it,  and  fights  only  with  the  power  of  darkness, 
which  rules  the  creature.  Now,  which  of  these  are  the 
ministers  of  Christ  ?  These  that  stir  up  the  magistrate  to 
afflict  the  body,  or  these  that  use  the  sword  of  the  Sj)irit 
to  wound  the  conscience? 

And  this  peace,  this  love,  this  unity  they  attain,  not  by 
their  own  strivings,  but  by  i-eceiviug  it  from  above.  In- 
18*  O 


210      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTOIf. 


deed,  all  our  religion  lies  iu  receiving  a  gift,  without  which 
we  are  nothing,  and  can  do  nothing,  and  in  which  nothing 
is  too  hard  for  us.  Yea,  being  kept  in  that,  up  to  God,  we 
can  do  all  things,  we  can  believe  all  things,  we  can  suffer 
all  things.  Never  was  there  a  generation  brought  forth 
weaker  iu  themselves,  more  foolish,  more  ridiculous  to  the 
fleshy  wisdom,  moi'e  exposed  to  sufferings  from  the  world 
and  worldl3'  professors;  yet,  being  kept  faithful  to  Him 
that  hath  called  us,  we  scuietimcs  feel  strength  and  wisdom, 
even  such,  as  the  most  zeiilous  in  the  worldly  ways  of  re- 
ligion, have  not  an  ear  to  hear  the  relation  of. 

Secondly.  Tiiou  sayest,  that  God's  way  is  a  way  of  hu- 
mility. 

An.swer.  If  this  people  had  not  been  humbled  and 
broken  by  God,  they  could  never  have  entered  into  a  way, 
which  the  lofty,  fleshly  part  abhors ;  nor  is  this  a  volun- 
tary humility,  but  a  humility  which  crosseth  and  breaketh 
the  will  all  the  day  long.  Thou  judgest  at  a  distance,  and 
with  that  whicli  is  not  to  judge,  but  to  be  judged. 

Thirdly.  Tluit  God  is  a  God  of  order,  and  not  of  con- 
fusion. 

Answer.  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  who  hath  recovered  some- 
what of  the  true  church's  order  for  us,  and  delivered  out 
of  the  confusion  of  antichrist".  We  know  order  in  the 
light,  order  in  the  Spirit,  order  in  Christ  the  Truth  ;  but 
that  which  man  in  his  wisdom  chills  order,  is  but  antichrist's 
order,  which  with  God  is  confusion.  To  have  man's  spirit 
speak,  and  God'.s  Spirit  sto})ped,  this  is  the  order  of  all  the 
antichristian  congregations,  and  churches;,  but  to  have 
man's  spirit  stopped,  and  God's  Spirit  s})eak,  this  is  the 
order  of  Christ's  church.  It  is  this  order  we  know,  and 
rejoice  in,  finding  that  raised  in  us,  whicli  teaches  us  to 
"  cea.se  from  man,"  and  his  voice  [as  man]  is  not  at  all 
"  accounted  of ;  "  but,  the  voice  of  the  living  God  is  heard, 
known,  loved,  and  obeyed,  by  that  which  he  hath  quick- 


LETTERS   OF  ISAAC 


PENINGTON. 


211 


ened  iu  us,  and  made  to  live  to  himself.  The  liord  is 
judging  that  which  loved  man's  meanings  and  inventions, 
all  that  the  human  part  in  us  could  gather  from  the  Scrip- 
tures, and  is  nourishing  that  which  is  of  himself,  that  which 
can  receive  no  food  but  from  his  hand. 

Thou  believest  not,  that  Mr.  Gurdon,  (as  the  world  calls 
him,)  or  any  other  godly  nmn,  doth  persecute  these  people 
for  the  exercise  of  their  consciences. 

Answer.  I  know,  no  godly  man  can  persecute;  the 
lamb  did  never  worry  the  wolf.  But,  the  grossest  persons 
will  not  acknowledge  that  they  persecute  for  conscience, 
but  accuse  those  whom  they  persecute  for  evil-doers,  and 
say,  they  sutler  as  evil-doers.  Canst  not  thou  see  the  nar- 
rowness of  this  covering?  Would  the  Scribes  and  Phari- 
sees, and  zealous  among  the  Jews,  confess,  that  they  put 
Christ  and  Stephen  to  death  for  conscience?  Did  they 
not  put  them  to  death  as  evil-doers,  as  blasphemers,  as 
speaking  against  the  holy  temple  of  God,  the  laws  and 

ordinances  of  Moses?   Ah!  ,  the  children  of  wisdom 

were  never  justified  by  that  wisdom,  wherewitii  thou  judg- 
est  of  things.  The  Scribes  and  Pharisees  were  as  confi- 
dent that  Christ  and  his  disciples  were  deceivers,  and  that 
they  brought  up  a  new  way  of  religion  contrary  to  Moses, 

any  can  be  that  them  peojjle  are  deceivers,  and  that  their 
way  is  new.  The  scene  is  turned ;  the  same  things  that 
were  then,  are  now  ;  and  the  eye  of  that  spirit  is  as  bliud 
now,  as  it  was  then ;  it  cannot  see  its  own  deceit. 

0  pie7-ce  into  the  nature  of  thiiif/s !  set  not  up  shadows 
instead  of  the  Truth;  wait  for  the  gift;  receive  the  true 
love,  the  true  peace,  the  true  unity,  the  true  humility, 
which  lies  not  in  the  will  of  the  creature,  but  destroys  it; 
—  then,  we  sliall  Jioon  know  one  another,  and  have  com- 
fort one  in  another.  I.  P. 
14tli  of  TwflitJi  Month,  I608. 


212      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PEXIXGTON. 


LETTER  LXXXII. 

On  the  Danger  of  Self-complacency. 
To  Catherine  Pordage. 

Friend,  —  In  truth  of  heart  and  tender  love  to  thee,  it 
is  with  me  to  return  answers  to  the  cliief  passages  in  thy 
letter,  as  briefly  as  I  may. 

It  hath  not  been  my  work,  to  bring  thee  out  of  esteem 
or  into  esteem  of  persons.  The  Lord  guide  thee  into  true 
judgment,  and  keep  thee  out  of  judging,  except  so  far  as 
that  is  raised  in  thee,  which  the  Lord  maketh  able  to 
judge.  But,  I  have  known  several,  who  have  spoken 
most  gloriously  and  ravishingly,  as  to  the  Scriptures,  open- 
mg  things  even  to  admiration,  who  have  been  out  of  the 
mystery  of  Truth  ;  and  who  have  sparkled  with  the  light 
and  life  of  a  wrong  spirit,  though  they  themselves  knew 
it  not  to  be  so. 

It  is  better  with  him  who  feels  his  unwillingness,  and 
waits  to  be  made  willing  by  the  Lord,  than  with  him,  who 
thinks  he  is  willing,  and,  upon  his  own  search,  finds  and 
judges  himself  to  be  so.  I  have  thought  I  had  been  will- 
ing in  several  cases ;  and  that,  if  the  Lord  would  have 
showed  me  his  will,  I  should  have  obeyed ;  which  I  found 
to  be  otherwise,  when  the  Lord  came  to  lay  the  law  of  his 
Spirit  and  life  upon  me.  This  I  am  sure  of ;  there  is  that 
in  thee,  which  is  not  willing  to  be  impoverished,  and  I 
cannot  say  concerning  thee,  as  in  God's  sight,  that  thou 
art  yet  separated  from  it.  Now,  while  it  is  in  thee,  it  will 
be  workiug  in  a  mystery  of  deceivableness,  hidden  from 
thy  heart,  which  thou  canst  not  possibly  discern,  but  as 
the  seed  is  raised,  and  the  pure  light  shines  in  thee.  Thou 
mayest  easily  think  better  of  thyself  than  indeed  it  is 


LETTERS   OF    ISAAC   PENINGTON.  218 


with  thee ;  but,  it  is  hard  for  thee,  in  this  thy  present 
state,  to  know  what  and  how  thou  art  in  the  sight  of  the 
Lord. 

Thou  shalt  know  the  tenderness  and  melting  compas- 
sion of  the  Lord,  when  that  is  broken  down  in  thee,  towards 
which  his  tenderness  is  not,  and  that  raised  up  in  thee  and 
thy  mind  joined  to  it,  towards  which  his  tenderness  is;  but 
great  and  subtle  workings  are  there  in  thy  mind,  from  the 
enemy,  against  God's  Truth,  which  thou  dost  not  discern 
and  eschew,  but  rather  embrace,  as  if  they  were  true  and 
precious.  If  that  tenderness  were  ministered  to  thee,  either 
from  God  immediately,  or  from  us,  which  thou  expectest 
and  desirest,  (perhaps,  thinking  thy  state  is  wronged,  in 
not  being  so  dealt  with,)  it  might  soon  destroy  thee,  and 
that  forever. 

Tlius,  in  great  plainness,  have  I  written  to  thee,  and 
beseech  thee  to  be  willing,  or  rather,  to  look  up  to  tlie 
Lord  to  make  thee  willing,  to  have  the  wound  kept  open 
in  thee,  which  the  condition  and  state  of  thy  soul  needs ; 
that  it  may  be  thoroughly  searched,  and  that  which  is  for 
judgment  judged  and  destroyed;  and  so,  thy  soul  ever- 
lastingly saved  by  the  everlasting  Physician,  who  is  wise 
and  skilful  in  ministering  both  judgment  and  mercy  to 
eveiy  one,  according  to  their  need. 

Thy  Friend  in  true,  faithful,  and  unfeigned  love  and 
tenderness?  L  P. 

25th  of  First  Month,  1671. 


214      LETTERS   or   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


LETTER  LXXXIII. 

Against  Self-exaltation  ;  and  on  the  Cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
To  Catherine  Pordage. 

Friend,  —  I  observed  yesterday,  that  thou  didst  own 
the  liglit  to  be  the  principle  of  life;  and  that  thou  didst 
affirm,  that  those  people  with  whom  thou  walkedst,  also 
owned  it,  and  directed  to  it.  Now,  it  is  one  thing  to  own 
the  principle  in  judgment ;  another  thing  to  know  it,  feel 
its  guidance,  and  be  subject  to  it.  It  is  a  good  step  to 
own  it  in  the  comprehension,  from  the  testimony  without ; 
but  yet,  they  that  go  so  far,  may  never  come  truly  to 
know  and  own  the  thing  itself.  Now,  nothing  redeems, 
or  can  preserve,  but  the  light  and  life  itself.  Therefore, 
how  to  meet  with  the  thing  itself,  and  be  changed  by  it  into 
its  own  nature,  and  therein  to  believe,  know,  will,  under- 
stand, and  judge, —  that  is  a  skill  which  none  can  learn, 
but  those  that  are  taught  of  God,  and  keep  close  to  the 
foundation,  not  rising  in  the  high  elevations  above  it. 
Ah  !  the  humility  of  the  seed,  and  of  that  soul  that  is  one 
■svith  the  seed  !  Ah  !  how  low  it  lies,  and  how  weighty  its 
sense  and  operations  are,  and  how  pure  and  infallible  is 
its  judgment!  The  great  danger  is,  in  rising  up  above 
the  thing  itself,  which  whoso  doth,  miscarrieth,  whatever 
lie  hath  formerly  known  or  enjoyed. 

There  now  springs  up  in  my  mind  a  state  since  Adam, 
which  I  would  have  thee  seriously  consider  of ;  and  then 
tell  me,  if  thou  hast  known  or  heard  of  such  another.  It 
is  recorded  in  Ezekiel,  28th  chapter,  of  one  that  was  "  per- 
fect in  wisdom  and  beauty."  In  what  w^isdom,  in  what 
beauty  ?  Let  thy  soul,  if  it  hath  understanding,  answer. 
For,  he  had  "  been  in  Eden,  the  garden  of  God,"  (what, 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  215 


had  any  been  so  since  Adam  ?)  "  and  had  every  precious 
stone  for  his  covering."  What  a  glorious  temple  theii 
Avas  he  !  yea,  and  he  was  created  (by  what  creation  ?)  unto 
this  state.  Yea,  he  was  "  the  anointed  cherub  that  cov- 
ereth,"  and  God  had  "set  him  so."  (What  is  it,  to  be  the 
anointed,  covering  cherub,  and  to  be  so  set  by  God  !)  He 
was  also  "  upon  the  holy  mountain  of  God,"  and  "  walked 
up  and  down  in  the  midst  of  the  stones  of  fire."  Yea, 
saith  the  Spirit  of  God  further  concerning  liim,  "Thou 
wast  perfect  in  thy  ways  from  the  day  that  thou  wast " 
created.  Yet,  after  all  this,  "iniquity  was  found  iu  "  him, 
and  the  hand  of  the  Lord  turned  against  him.  Answer 
me,  now  ;  was  tliis  a  state  of  mixture,  or  no?  And  if  so 
perfect  a  state  was  liable  to  this,  what  is  a  state  of  mix- 
ture liable  to  ? 

A  h  !  many  have  had  some  touches  of  the  light,  some 
true  appearances  thereof,  and  tastes  of  the  glory ;  but, 
who  liatli  been  so  united  to  the  light,  a?to  keep  out  of  all 
that  corruptetli !  There  is  .somewhat  still  lives  near,  that 
would  fain  be  mixing  with  it,  and  drawing  higher  than 
the  pure  liglit  of  life  and  truth:  but  this  leads  out  of  the 
way,  above  the  pure,  the  true,  the  innocent,  the  simple ; 
and  then,  there  is  a  making  haste  to  be  rich  and  glorious, 
and  a  departing  from  that  poverty  of  spirit,  wherein  is 
the  safety  and  j)reservatiou.  How  have  some  that  come 
among  us,  here  split  themselves  by  aspiring!  Ah!  what 
a  foolish  thing  it  is,  to  be  found  singing,  before  dominion 
is  witnessed,  and  victory  over  that  which  captivateth ; 
such  songs  will  end  in  desolation,  anguish,  and  confusion ; 
for  thereby,  the  lust  of  the  mind  goes  forth,  and  that  is 
fed,  which  keeps  from  the  victory  and  the  dominion.  It  is 
better  to  know  the  old  bottle  emptied,  yea,  broken,  than 
filled  with  new  wine.  And,  how  many  have  taken  them- 
selves to  be  new  made,  who,  when  tlie  Spirit  of  the  Lord 
hath  come  to  search  them  by  his  pure,  eternal  light,  have 
been  fouud  and  are  fouud  iu  the  old  nature  and  spirit! 


216 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENIXGTON. 


Come,  live  no  more,  know  no  more  of  thyself ;  but 
wait  to  feel  the  pure  seed  raised  to  live  and  know  in  thee, 
and  to  feel  its  light  enlightening  thee,  and  creating  a  new 
capacity  in  thee ;  and  that  will  give  thee  to  bear  the  pain 
of  dying,  and  taking  up  the  cross,  which  will  really  slay 
every  life,  appearance,  and  power,  that  is  not  of  its  own 
nature.  Thou  hast  formerly  taken  up  crosses  in  a  way  of 
wisdom,  and  according  to  a  comprehensive  knowledge  and 
judgment ;  come,  now,  learn  to  take  up  the  seed's  cross 
in  the  true  foolishness.  For,  there  is  not  another  thing 
that  gives  life,  than  the  cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
which  truly  and  really  slays ;  and  to  that  which  can  dis- 
cern and  take  up  this  cross,  and  live  and  walk  under  it, 
the  yoke  is  easy  and  the  burden  light.  But,  that  must 
first  be  brought  under  and  destroyed,  which  counteth  it 
hard,  before  it  can  be  felt  and  owned  to  be  so.  If  thou 
couldst  come  out  of  thy  own  wisdom  and  cousideration 
of  things,  into  thff  simplicity  of  the  seed,  thou  wouldst 
soon  recover  thy  lost  ground  again ;  and  see,  how  the 
enemy  with  his  subtlety  hath  gained  upon  thee,  and  into 
what  great  danger  he  hath  brought  thy  soul. 

The  Lord  searcheth  and  trieth  the  heart,  and  that  is 
the  true  state  thereof,  which  his  light  disco vercth.  That 
is  not  the  state,  which  the  mind  out  of  the  light  appre- 
heudeth  it  to  be,  as  we  have  often  had  experience  of,  in 
ourselves.  Therefore,  be  still ;  justify  not  thyself,  nor 
condemn  the  judgment  of  others,  till  the  Lord  make 
things  manifest  to  thee.  If  it  then  prove  better  with  thee 
than  others  have  said,  that  will  be  thy  advantage ;  but, 
if  thou  then  prove  mistaken,  and  the  judgment  which 
thou  in  thy  heart  hast  condemned  should  stand,  it  will  be 
thy  great  loss  and  disadvantage. 

This  is  in  love  and  true  friendship  to  thy  soul,  in  a 
deeper  sight  of  thee  and  sense  concerning  thee,  than  thou 
art  aware  of.  I.  P. 

2Gth  of  Third  Month,  1671. 


LETTERS  OF  ISAAC  PENINGTON.  217 


LETTER  LXXXIV. 

To  SUCH  AS  Drink  of  the  Waters  at  Astrop  Wells. 

I  ENTREAT  you  to  Consider  what  is  within  written  for 
your  eternal  good  ;  and  be  not  deceived  by  the  enemy  of 
your  souls,  in  things  of  an  everlasting  concern. 

Some  queries  propounded  to  your  consideration, 
in  the  tender,  melting  love  op  my  heart  towards 
your  everlasting  welfare. 

First  query.  Is  not  the  great  God,  who  created  heaven 
and  earth,  light,  pure  light,  spiritual  light,  eternal  light, 
in  whom  is  no  darkness  at  all?  1  John,  i.  5. 

Second  query.  Is  not  man,  in  his  natural,  unregenerate, 
corrupt  state,  darkness?  And  can  he  possibly,  in  that 
state,  have  any  union  or  fellowship  with  the  great  God 
and  Saviour?   See  Eph.  v.  8  ;  2  Cor.  vi.  14 ;  1  John,  i.  6. 

Third  query.  Doth  not  the  great  God,  in  his  tender 
love  to  mankind,  cause  his  pure  heavenly  light  to  shine 
in  man's  heart,  in  this  his  dark  and  corrujjt  state?  2  Coi*. 
iv,  6  ;  John,  i.  5. 

Fourth  query.  What  is  the  end  of  God's  causing  his 
pure  light  to  shine  in  man's  corrupt  heart?  Is  it  not, that 
man  miglit  be  turned  from  darkness,  and  from  the  power 
of  Satan,  which  keeps  him  in  darkness,  to  the  light  which 
God  causeth  to  shine  in  him,  and  to  God  from  whom  this 
light  comes?  Acts,  xxvi.  18  ;  that  so,  following  Christ,  and 
not  walking  in  darkness,  he  might  obtain  the  iiglit  of  life  ? 
John,  viii.  12. 

Fifth  query.  Doth  man,  in  his  natui-al  corrui)t  state, 
love  this  light,  when  it  shines  in  him;  or  rather  hate  it? 
19 


218       LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTOy. 


And  can  he  hate  it,  without  hating  God  from  whom  it 
comes,  and  of  whose  nature  it  is  ? 

Sixth  query.  Why  doth  man,  in  his  natural  corrupt 
state,  hate  this  light?  Is  it  not,  because  his  deeds  are 
evil ;  and  because  he  would  continue  in  his  evil  deeds, 
without  being  disturbed  or  reclaimed  by  this  light  ?  John, 
iii.  19  to  21. 

Seventh  query.  What  does  this  light  of  the  pure  God, 
and  of  his  Christ,  do  for  them  that  receive  and  obey  it  ? 
Doth  it  not  bring  them  out  of  darkness,  and  change  their 
nature ;  so  that  they  become  children  of  the  light,  and  no 
more  darkness,  as  they  were  before,  but  light  in  the  Lord? 
John,  xii.  36  ;  Eph.  v.  8. 

Eighth  query.  How  shall  it  fiire  with  those,  who  receive 
the  shinings  of  this  light  of  God  ^nd  Christ  in  their  con- 
sciences, hearkening  to  the  reproofs  of  it,  eschewing  that 
which  it  shows  to  be  evil,  and  doing  that  which  God  by  it 
shows  to  be  good  ?  Shall  not  they  receive  the  remission 
of  their  sins  from  God,  and  an  inheritance  among  the 
saints  in  light?    Acts,  xxvi.  18;  Coloss.  i.  12,  1.3. 

Ninth  query.  What  will  become  of  those,  who  do  not 
mind  the  shining  of  God's  light  in  their  hearts,  nor  are 
turned  to  it,  nor  changed  by  it ;  but  spend  their  time  in 
what  pleasetli  the  corrupt  part  in  themselves  ?  Will  they 
not  be  separated,  when  they  go  out  of  this  world,  from 
God  who  is  light,  and  have  their  portion  with  dark  spirits, 
in  utter  darkness  ?  2  Thess.  i.  6  to  10.  See  also  Matt. 
XXV.  30. 

O  consider  these  things,  while  ye  have  time,  for  your 
soul's  eternal  good  !  that  )'e  miss  not  of  the  holy  way  of 
life  and  salvation,  and  so  perish  ;  whom  God  would  not 
have  perish,  but  stretcheth  forth  his  hand  of  love,  by  his 
inward  "  light  of  life,"  effectually  to  save  your  souls. 

I.  P. 

ASTEOP, 

20th  of  SLsth  Month,  1678. 


LETTERS  OF  ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


219 


LETTER  LXXXV. 

To  one  who  sent  a  Message  to  liiin  from  Astrop  Wells. 

I  HAD  no  end  in  writing  or  sending  those  papers,  but 
true  love  to  your  immortal  souls ;  that  ye  might  seriously 
consider  thereof,  and  be  found  in  the  practice  of  them,  and 
so  be  happy  forever.  For,  as  Christ  said  to  his  disciples, 
so  it  is  with  me  in  this  case  towards  you,  "If  ye  know 
these  things,  happy  are  ye  if  ye  do  them."  I  have  felt  the 
sweetness  and  great  benefit  of  the  practice  of  them,  which 
I  heartily  desire  ye  may  also  experience. 

I  here  send  enclosed  a  token  of  my  love  to  thee  in  par- 
ticular, which  thy  courteous  message  drew  from  me.  It 
contains,  in  a  few  words,  the  true  path-way  of  salvation ; 
which,  though  thou  mayest  know  already,  yet  the  reading 
and  serious  consideration  thereof,  may  not  be  unservice- 
able to  thee. 

I  am  thy  Friend,  in  true  love  and  desires  for  thee, 

I.  P. 

THE  PLAIN  PATH-WAY  OF  SALVATION. 

The  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  the  only  Saviour. 

Grace  and  Truth  comes  by  Jesus  Christ. 

The  Lord  Jesus  Christ  saves  by  the  grace  and  Truth 
which  comes  by  him. 

For,  it  is  the  grace  of  God  that  brings  salvation,  and 
it  is  the  Truth,  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  which  makes  free  indeed. 

He,  therefore,  that  would  be  saved  from  sin  and  cou- 
deiunatioii,  must  wait  for  the  inward  manifesting  and  re- 
vealing of  the  grace  and  Truth  in  his  heart;  and  must 
receive  it,  and  be  subject  to  it,  learning  of  the  grace,  to 
deny  ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts  in  every  kind;  and  he 
must  learn  of  the  Truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  to  deny  what- 


220      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


ever  is  contrary  to  the  life,  nature,  and  Spirit  of  Jesus. 
He  must  likewise  learn  of  the  grace  and  Truth,  to  fear 
God ;  to  turn  from  all  false,  invented  worships  and  ways 
of  men,  and  to  worship  God,  the  Father  of  spirits,  in  spirit 
and  in  truth  :  and,  as  he  learns  and  practises  this,  he  will 
also  learn  of  the  grace  and  Truth,  to  live  soberly  and 
righteously  in  this  present  world,  yea,  and  godlily  also, 
even  as  the  holy  God  would  have  him ;  for,  God  would 
have  men  live  no  otherwise,  than  as  his  grace  and  Truth 
teaches  them.  Now,  God's  grace  and  Truth,'  and  the  law 
of  the  Spirit  of  life  in  Christ  Jesus,  which  is  written  in  the 
inward  parts,  do  not  only  teach  that  which  is  good,  and  to 
deny  and  depart  from  that  which  is  evil,  but  give  ability 
so  to  do.  "  My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee,"  said  God  to 
Paul.  And  the  Truth  of  Jesus,  revealed  inwardly,  hath 
virtue  and  power  in  it ;  insomuch,  that  they  who  receive 
the  grace  and  Truth  which  comes  by  Jesus  Christ,  receive 
power  to  become  sous  of  God.  For  the  grace,  the  Truth, 
is  not  a  notional  thing,  but  hath  the  virtue  and  power  of 
life,  and  mortification  in  it ;  and  they  that  truly  receive  it, 
partake  of  its  virtue  and  power  in  operation  and  exercise 
of  it  in  their  hearts,  and  are  thereby  really  made  dead 
unto  sin,  and  alive  unto  God. 

So,  then,  he  that  knows  the  grace  and  Truth  which 
comes  by  Jesus  Christ,  receives  it,  learns  of  it,  is  subject 
to  it,  and  partakes  of  its  virtue  and  power,  he  knows  Christ 
unto  salvation ;  but,  he  that  knows  not,  receives  not,  is  not 
subject  to  the  grace,  doth  not  experience  the  sufficiency  of 
the  grace,  nor  witness  ability  and  power  through  it  to 
become  a  son  to  God,  and  to  do  the  will  of  God, —  he  doth 
not  yet  at  all  know  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  unto  the  salva- 
tion of  his  soul,  notwithstanding  whatsoever  he  may  pro- 
fess or  believe  concerning  him.  I.  P. 

ASTROP, 

2Sth  of  Sixth  Month,  1678. 


LETTERS  OF  ISAAC  PENINGTON.  221 


LETTER  LXXXVI. 

Acknowledgment  of  Christ's  Manhood. 
To  Richard  Egberts. 

R.  R. — Thou  didst  acquaint  me,  that  Timothy  Fly,  the 
Anabaptist  teacher,  did  charge  me  with  denying  Christ's 
humanity,  and  also  the  blood  of  Christ,  which  was  shed  at 
Golgotha,  without  the  gates  of  Jerusalem  ;  and  that  I  own 
no  other  Christ  but  what  is  within  men. 

Sure  I  am,  that  neither  T.  Fly,  nor  any  other  man,  did 
ever  hear  me  deny,  that  Christ,  according  to  the  flesh,  was 
born  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  or  that  that  was  his  blood,  which 
was  shed  without  the  gates  of  Jerusalem.  And  the  Lord, 
who  knoweth  my  heart,  knoweth,  that  such  a  thing  never 
was  in  my  heart;  nay,  I  do  greatly  value  that  flesh  and 
blood  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  witness  forgiveness  of 
sins  and  redemption  through  it.  Yet,  if  I  should  say,  I 
do  not  know,  nor  partake  of  his  flesh  and  blood  in  the 
mystery  also,  I  should  not  be  a  faithful  witness  to  the 
Lord.  For,  there  is  the  mystery  of  God  and  of  Christ ; 
and  that  is  tke  soul's  food  which  gives  life  to  the  soul, 
even  the  living  bread  and  the  living  water.  For,  there  is 
living  bread  and  living  water ;  and  the  flesh  and  blood  in 
the  mystery,  on  which  the  soul  feeds,  is  not  inferior  in 
nature  and  virtue  to  the  bread  and  water.  There  is  a 
knowing  Christ  after  the  flesh,  and  there  is  a  knowing 
him  after  the  Spirit,  and  a  feeding  on  his  Spirit  and  life; 
and  this  doth  not  destroy  his  appearing  in  flesh,  or  the 
blessed  ends  thereof,  but  confirm  and  fulfil  them. 

The  owning  of  Christ  being  inwardly  in  his  saints,  doth 
not  deny  his  appearing  outwardly  in  the  body  prepared ; 
unless  T.  F.  can  maintain  this,  that  the  same  Christ  that 
appeared  outwardly,  cannot  appear  inwardly.  "  Know 
19* 


222 


LETTERS   OP   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


ye  uot  your  own  selves,  how  that  Jesus  Christ  is  in  you, 
except  ye  be  reprobates  ?  "  2  Cor.  xiii.  5.  "  Aud  if  Christ 
be  iu  you,  the  body  is  dead  because  of  siu,"  &c.  liom, 
viii.  10.  "  Christ  in  you,  the  hope  of  glory."  Col.  i.  27. 
"  Behold,  I  stand  at  the  door  and  knock  ;  if  any  man  hear 
my  voice  aud  open  the  door,  I  will  come  in  to  him."  Rev. 
iii.  20.  "  I  will  come  again,"  saith  Christ :  Ye  are  now  in 
pain,  as  a  woman  iu  travail,  full  of  sorrow  for  the  loss  of 
my  outward,  bodily  presence ;  but  I  will  come  to  you 
again  in  spirit ;  see  John,  xvi. ;  aud,  John,  xiv.  17,  "  He," 
that  "  dwelleth  with  you,  shall  be  in  you  :  "  and  then, 
Avheu  the  Bridegroom  is  inwardly  and  spiritually  in  you, 
and  with  you,  "  your  heart  shall  rejoice,  and  your  joy  no 
man  taketh  from  you,"  John,  xvi.  22.  And  so,  the  apostles 
aud  primitive  Christians  did  "  rejoice  with  joy  unspeak- 
able, aud  full  of  glory,"  1  Peter,  i.  8,  because  of  the 
spiritual  appearance  aud  presence  of  the  Bridegroom. 
And  yet,  there  is  no  other  bridegroom,  who  now  appears 
in  spirit,  or  spiritually  in  the  hearts  of  his,  than  He  that 
once  appeared  in  the  prepared  body,  and  did  the  Father's 
will  therein.  1.  P. 


LETTER  LXXXVII. 

Postscript  to  some  Considerations  respecting  tlie  Gospel  Church. 

Addressed  to  the  Independents  at  Canterbury. 

I  HAVE  been  a  seeker  after  God,  and  a  worshipper  of 
him  from  my  childhood,  according  to  the  best  of  my  un- 
derstandiug  ;  and,  at  last,  sat  down  in  that  way,  which  is 
called  Independency,  believing  it  to  be  the  way  of  the 
gospel,  aud  entering  into  it  with  much  fear  and  seeking 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   P£2«'INGT0N.  223 


of  God.  In  which  way,  the  Lord  had  regard  to  the  up- 
riglituess  aud  teudei'uess  of  heart,  which  he  had  formed 
iu  me. 

But,  at  length,  the  Lord's  haud  fell  upon  me,  breaking 
Die  all  to  pieces  therein,  as  to  my  inward  state;  for  what 
cause,  I  had  then  no  knowledge  at  all  of;  but  mourned 
before  him  unutterably,  night  and  day,  aud  lay  panting 
and  languishing  after  him,  who  was  the  only  Beloved  of 
my  soul.  Many  pitied  me,  but  none  could  reach  my 
state,  but,  after  much  serious  discourse  with  me,  greatly 
wondered :  and  some  said,  it  was  a  prerogative  case,  and 
would,  questionless,  end  in  good-will  and  mercy  from  the 
Lord  to  me.  I  parted  from  that  people  in  great  love  aud 
tenderness ;  they  expecting  my  return  to  them  again,  (the  ^ 
love  between  me  and  them  being  so  exceeding  great,  and 
I  having  let  in  no  prejudice  against  them,)  and  I  knowing 
nothing  to  the  contrary. 

But,  it  pleased  the  Lord,  after  many  years,  when  my 
hope  nearly  failed,  to  visit  me  in  a  wonderful  manner, 
breaking  my  heart  in  pieces,  giving  me  to  feel  his  pure, 
living  power,  and  the  raising  of  his  holy  seed  in  my  heart 
thereby ;  insomuch,  that  I  cried  out  inwardly  before  him, 
"  This  is  He,  this  is  He  whom  I  have  sought  after,  and  so 
much  wanted !  this  is  the  pearl,  this  is  the  holy  leaven ! 
do  what  thou  wilt  with  me,  afflict  me  how  thou  wilt,  and 
as  long  as  thou  pleasest,  so  that  at  length  I  may  be  joined 
with  this,  and  become  one  with  this  !  "  So,  the  eye  of  my 
understanding  was  from  that  day  anointed,  and  I  saw  and 
felt  the  pure  life  of  the  Son  made  manifest  iu  me ;  and 
the  Father  drew  me  to  him,  as  to  a  living  stone,  and  hath 
built  my  soul  upon  him,  and  brought  me  to  mount  Zion, 
and  the  holy  city  of  our  God  ;  where  the  river  of  life  sends 
forth  its  streams,  which  refresh  aud  make  glad  the  holy 
city,  and  all  the  tabernacles  that  arc  built  on  God's  holy 
hill.    Aud  indeed,  from  this  holy  hill  and  city,  the  law 


224       LETTERS   or   ISAAC  'PENINGTON. 


aud  word  of  life  doth  issue,  aud  the  iuhabitaiits  of  the  rock 
of  life  hear  it,  and  are  friends  to  the  Bridegroom,  aud 
glad  of  the  Bridegroom's  voice,  and  follow  the  Lamb,  the 
Shepherd  and  Bishoj)  of  their  souls,  whithersoever  he 
leads ;  who  leads  them  into  the  pastures  of  life,  and  folds 
of  pure  rest,  and  gives  them  eternal  life  to  feed  on,  and 
his  peace  aud  patience  to  possess  their  souls  in. 

O  ye  Independents !  whom  I  have  loved  above  all  people, 
and  never  had  thoughts  of  rending  from  you,  but  was 
forcibly  taken  by  the  hand  of  the  Lord  out  of  your 
Society ;  —  yet,  not  without  a  desire  to  return  to  you  again, 
if  the  Lord  pleased  to  make  any  way  thereto ;  —  I  say,  O 
ye  Independents,  above  all  professions  the  one  most  dearly 
beloved  by  me  !  —  O  that  ye  could  hear  the  sensible,  ex 
perienced  testimony,  that  is  on  my  heart  to  you  concern- 
ing my  Beloved,  concerning  his  appearance,  concerning 
his  church,  concerning  his  way,  his  Truth,  his  kingdom. 
It  is  nigher  than  ye  are  aware,  and  above  all  that  ye  can 
comprehend  concerning  it.  O  that  ye  might  inwardly 
know  these  things !  Turn  in,  turn  in  :  mind  what  stirs  in 
your  hearts ;  what  moves  against  sin,  what  moves  towards 
sin.  The  one  is  the  Son's  life,  the  Son's  grace,  the  Son's 
Spirit ;  the  other  is  the  spirit  and  nature  which  is  contrary 
thereto.  If  ye  could  but  come  to  the  sense  of  this,  and 
come  to  a  true,  inward  silence,  and  waiting,  and  turning 
at  the  i-eproofs  of  heavenly  wisdom,  and  know  the  heavenly 
drawings  into  that  which  is  holy  and  living ;  ye  would 
soon  find  the  Lord  working  in  your  hearts,  to  stop  the 
issues  of  death,  and  to  open  the  issues  of  life  there ;  and 
ye  would  find  yourselves  anointed  daily  by  the  Lord,  (for 
there  is  not  a  day  but  we  need  to  see,  nor  a  day  but  the 
Lord  gives  sight,)  and  an  understanding  also  would  be 
given  you  to  know  Him  that  is  true,  and  the  "  eternal  life," 
1  John,  i.  2,  and  an  abiding  in  him  that  is  true.  And, 
abiding  here,  ye  cannot  fail  of  receiving  power,  (from  him 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


225 


who  ministers  according  to  the  power  of  the  endless  life,) 
not  only  to  overcome  sin  and  your  soul's  enemies,  but  to 
become  sons  to  God,  with  delight  performing  his  will. 
And  that  yoke  which  yokes  down  and  subdues  sin  in  you, 
will  be  easy,  yea,  the  ease,  pleasure,  and  joy  of  your  souls. 

The  Lord  open  an  ear  in  you  to  hear  as  the  learned,  that 
ye  may  become  experiencers  and  possessors  of  these  things  ; 
for,  of  a  truth,  the  Lord  is  arisen  to  shake  terribly  the 
earth,  and  to  build  up  his  Zion,  and  to  give  unto  his  people 
"  a  peaceable  habitation,  and  sure  dwellings,  and  quiet 
resting-places  "  upon  mount  Zion.    Isai.  xxxii.  18. 

I.  P. 


LETTER  LXXXVIIL 

The  Way  to  Life  Narrow ;  Hard  Tilings  Made  Easy  to  tlie  Obe- 
dient.   Also,  Some  Answers  to  Objections  on  Prayer,  &c. 

To  Catherine  Pordage. 

Friend, — It  is  true,  the  way  to  life  is  so  difficult  and 
intricate,  that  none  can  find  it,  but  such  as  are  lighted  by 
the  Lord,  and  follow  the  guidance  of  his  Spirit. 

Christ,  who  preached  the  kingdom,  and  bid  men  seek 
it,  yet  said,  "  Strait  is  the  gate  and  narrow  is  the  way 
which  leadeth  unto  life,  and  few  there  be  that  find  it." 
In  a  race,  many  run,  but  one  obtaineth  the  prize.  Canst 
thou  read  what  Christ  said,  "  Except  ye  eat  the  flesh  of 
the  Son  of  man,  and  drink  his  blood,  ye  have  no  life  in 
you  ;  "  that  seemed  a  hard  saying  to  some  of  his  own  dis- 
ciples, many  of  whom  left  him.  And  truly.  Friend,  as  it 
is  not  an  easy  thing  to  come  into  the  way,  so  neither  is  it 
an  easy  thing  to  abide  in  the  way;  for,  many  are  the 
by-paths,  many  and  great  the  temptations,  both  on  the 

P 


226      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINaTON. 


right  hand,  aud  on  the  left.  The  way  was  always  the 
same,  full  as  difficult  and  hard  formerly  as  now;  but,  the 
states  and  conditions  of  some  make  it  harder  to  them, 
than  it  is  to  others ;  yea,  it  is  easier  now,  than  it  hath 
been  in  many  foregoing  generations,  being  prepared  and 
cast  up  by  the  Lord. 

It  is  sad,  indeed,  that  any  should  be  convinced  of  Truth, 
and  not  come  into  subjection  to  it ;  yet,  it  is  very  easy  and 
common.  For,  men  cannot  withstand  conviction,  when  it 
comes  in  power ;  but,  they  may  deny  obedience  to  that, 
which  they  are  convinced  of;  nay,  some  in  the  apostles' 
day  went  further,  even  to  taste  of  the  heavenly  gift,  and 
powers  of  the  world  to  come,  and  to  partake  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  and  yet  fall  away.  Was  not  this  very  sad  ?  and 
yet,  this  was  no  well-grounded  objection  against  the  Truth 
aud  way  of  God  then.  Indeed,  I  make  little  of  the  illu- 
mination of  the  understanding,  without  subjection  to  him 
that  illuminateth,  ii/ those  things  wherein  he  illuminateth. 
But,  that  is  a  great  mistake,  to  suppose  I  did  condemn 
any  waiting  or  praying,  that  is  according  to  a  true  illu- 
mination and  leading  of  God's  Spirit ;  for,  the  true  light 
aud  spirit  are  not  separated ;  but,  the  exceptions  I  have 
against  the  prayers  of  professors  is,  that  they  are  so 
much  out  of  the  true  illumination,  in  a  light  of  their  own 
apprehending,  forming,  aud  conceiving.  Now,  these  are 
but  the  limits  of  the  fleshly  birth,  out  of  which  comes 
nothing  that  is  pleasing  to  the  Father. 

Did  I,  or  any  of  us,  ever  affirm,  that  the  forbearance 
of  the  means  was  the  way  to  attain  the  end  ?  But,  the 
setting  up  or  using  a  false  means,  is  not  the  way  to  attain 
the  true  end.  "  So  run,"  said  the  apostle,  "  that  ye  may 
obtain ; "  did  he  not  forbid  all  running,  but  the  right  run- 
ning? The  praying  of  the  fleshly  birth,  or  in  the  will, 
and  according  to  the  wisdom  of  the  flesh,  is  not  the  means 
or  way  to  obtain  the  everlasting  kingdom  ;  but  the  pray- 


LETTERS   OP   ISAAC   PENIXGTON.  227 

ers  of  tlie  true  birth  are.  Aud,  if  I  should  say  tlnis  ag;ii!i 
and  again  to  thee,  So  pray,  as  that  thou  mayest  obtain 
what  thou  prayest  for, —  I  should  not  be  thine  enemy 
therein ;  for,  it  is  easy  asking  amiss,  not  so  easy  to  ask 
aright.  Prayer  is  a  gift :  and  he  that  receiveth  it,  must 
first  come  to  the  sense  of  his  own  inability :  and  so, 
wait  to  receive ;  and,  perhaps,  begin  but  with  a  groan  or 
sigh  from  the  true  Spirit,  and  thus  grow  in  ability  from 
the  same  Spirit,  denying  the  ability  which  is  after  the 
flesh  :  this  latter  abounds  in  many,  who  mistake  and  err 
in  judgment,  not  waiting  on  the  Lord,  to  be  enabled  by 
him  rightly  to  judge  and  distinguish  between  flesh  aud 
spirit,  but  are  many  times  willingly  ignorant  in  this  par- 
ticular,— it  will  cost  so  dear  to  come  to  a  true  under- 
standing therein. 

Hath  not  all  flesh  had  some  manifestation  of  God's 
Spirit  allotted  it?  was  not  that  which  might  be  known  of 
God  manifest  in  the  Gentiles  ?  aud  ought  not  all  flesh,  in 
that,  to  call  upon  the  Lord,  as  the  true  sense  is  given 
them  therefrom?  But  because  of  this,  might  the  heathen 
pray  according  to  their  own  imagination '''  Is  there  not  a 
rule  of  prayer?  Is  not  God's  light,  God's  gift,  God's 
Spirit,  the  rule  to  all  ?  Is  any  prayer  i"equired  or  accepted 
out  of  this  ?  Indeed,  he  that  hath  the  sense  of  being  but 
a  dog,  as  I  may  say,  and  not  worthy  to  be  counted  a 
child,  yet,  may  pray  for  crumbs,  and  be  heard,  aud  re- 
ceive them.  But,  what  are  prayers,  out  of  the  light  and 
life  of  God's  Spirit?  are  they  not  prayers  of  the  fleshly 
birth,  fleshly  will,  fleshly  wisdom?  can  they  that  are  in 
the  flesh,  or  pray  in  the  flesh,  please  God?  O  forsake 
thy  own  wisdom,  reasonings,  will,  aud  desires!  that  thou 
mayest  come  to  true  understanding  in  this  particular. 

As  to  stirring  up  the  gift,  2  Tim.  i.  6,  Paul  knew  to 
whom  he  wrote:  Timothy  had  a  great  understanding,  and 
both  knew  the  gift  and  how  to  stii-  it  up ;  but,  he  that 


228       LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PEXINGTON. 


hath  not  a  true  understanding,  may  stir  up  somewhat  else, 
instead  of  stirring  up  the  gift,  and  so,  kindle  a  fire  of  his 
own,  and  offer  up  his  own  sacrifice,  with  his  own  fire, 
neither  of  which  are  acceptable  to  the  Lord. 

The  troubled  soul  is  not  only  to  go  to  the  Lord,  but,  it 
,must  be  taught  by  him,  how  to  go  to  Him.  The  Lord  is 
the  Teacher ;  and  this  is  a  great  lesson,  which  the  soul 
cannot  learn  of  itself,  but  as  it  is  taught  by  him.  Men 
abound  in  their  several  ways  in  religion,  in  that  which 
God  is  arising  to  scatter  and  confound ;  so  that,  it  is  not 
the  great  and  main  work  to  be  found  doing,  but  to  be 
found  doing  aright,  from  the  true  teachings,  and  from  the 
right  Spirit. 

In  the  time  of  great  trouble,  there  may  be  life  stirring 
underneath,  and  a  true  and  tender  sense,  and  pure  desires, 
in  which  there  may  be  a  drawing  nigh  and  breathing  of 
heart  to  the  Lord ;  but,  in  the  time  of  trouble  and  great 
darkness,  may  not  a  man  easily  desire  amiss,  and  pray 
amiss,  if  he  have  not  his  Guide  ?  A  little  praying  from 
God's  Spirit,  and  in  that  which  is  true  and  pure,  is  better 
than  thousands  of  vehement  desires  in  one's  own  will,  and 
after  the  flesh.  For,  as  long  as  a  man  prayeth  thus,  that 
which  should  die  in  him,  lives  in  his  very  prayers ;  and 
how  shall  it  ever  be  destroyed,  if  it  get  food  and  gain 
Btreugth  there  ?  But,  life  and  virtue  may  be  felt,  and  that 
which  troubleth  be  near  too,  and  greatly  troubling.  Did 
Christ  feel  neither  life  nor  virtue,  in  the  time  of  his  great 
trouble  ? 

We  neither  lay  weight  on  outward  things,  as  considered 
in  themselves,  nor  take  off  from  the  inward.  Ah !  con- 
sider what  spirit  this  charge  comes  from ;  and  if  thou 
discern  it,  take  heed  of  joining  to  it,  and  bringing  forth 
the  fruits  of  it  any  more.  What,  if  God  hath  chosen 
weak  and  foolish  things  to  the  eye  of  man's  wisdom,  now, 
as  formerly?    Do  we,  in  so  testifying,  lay  any  more 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


229 


•weight  tlit'reupoii,  tluvu  God  layetli  ?  And  what,  if 
God  hath  thrown  by  all  preachings,  prayings,  singings, 
(yea,  inward,)  which  are  not  in  his  Spirit,  but  from  the 
translbriuing  spirit  and  birth.  Do  we  herein  debase,  oi 
testify  against,  any  thing  that  is  inwardly  of  God  ?  The 
oiihvard  which  is  right  in  God's  sight,  must  come  from  the 
inward,  but  not  from  the  inward  will  or  wisdom  of  the 
flesh,  but  from  the  inward  light  and  Spirit  of  God ;  but, 
it  is  a  great  matter  to  receive  singly  and  go  along  with 
the  inward  light,  and  avoid  the  inward,  deceitful  appear- 
ance of  things. 

Tliere  is  one  thing  hath  been  with  me  all  along,  still, 
throughout  tliy  letter,  even  a  cry  to  thee  for  obedience, 
obedience  to  the  Spirit  and  power  of  the  Lord ;  and  to 
consider,  whether  disobedience  hath  not  drawn  this  dark- 
ness and  power  of  the  enemy  upon  thee.  It  is  not  thy 
proper  work  to  look  out  at  the  way,  or  think  it  hard,  (for, 
it  is  not  so  to  the  true  seed,)  but,  to  be  travelling  in  faith- 
fulness, as  thou  art  drawn  aud  led ;  and  this  will  save 
thee  much  sorrow. 

As  for  Christ  being  a  Mediator  and  Reconciler,  it  is  by 
his  death  and  life ;  both  of  which  are  partaken  of,  in  the 
light  which  comes  from  him,  even  in  the  grace  and  truth 
which  he  dispenseth.  For,  as  God  wrought  all  in  him  by 
the  fulness  which  he  bestowed  on  him,  so,  he  works  all  in 
his  by  a  measure  of  the  same  Spirit,  life,  and  power.  But, 
why  dost  thou  so  desire  to  be  able  to  comprehend  and 
reason  about  these  things  ?  —  that  is  not  thy  present  work, 
but  to  feel  after  and  be  joined  to  that,  whereby  Christ 
reneweth  and  changeth  the  mind,  and  wherein  he  gives 
the  kjiowledge  of  his  good,  and  acceptable,  and  perfect 
will.  Take  heed  of  being  exalted  above  measure,  or  de- 
siring to  know  the  things  of  the  kingdom  after  the  flesh , 
for,  it  is  better  to  lie  low,  and  as  a  child  to  enter  the  king- 
dom, and  to  receive  the  knowledge  of  the  things  of  God 
20 


230      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


there,  than  to  be  feeding  that  knowing  mind,  which  is  to 
be  kept  out  and  famished. 

Ah  !  watch,  that  thou  mayest  not  lose  thy  Leader,  and 
meet  with  the  deceiver,  instead  of  Him  that  is  true ;  and 
so,  go  back  from  light,  life,  truth,  and  power,  instead  of 
going  forwards  toward  them.  Indeed,  this  letter  of  thine 
makes  me  afraid,  as  Paul  speaketh  to  the  Galatians,  lest  I 
have  bestowed  labour  on  thee  in  vain  ;  for,  there  seems  to 
me  to  be  in  thee,  a  strengthening  of  thy  mind  towards  re- 
turning back  to  that,  from  which  the  Lord  in  his  mercy 
hath  been  redeeming  and  gathering  thee.  If  thou  feel 
the  right  seed,  and  come  to  be  of  the  right  seed,  the  way 
of  the  seed  will  not  be  too  hard  for  thee ;  otherwise,  it  will. 

This  is  to  thee,  iu  love  and  grief,  from  thy  soul's  true 
Friend,  L  P. 

21st  of  Sixth  Month,  1671. 


LETTER  LXXXIX. 

The  Scriptures  Exceedingly  Precious.  Tlie  Gospel  a  Ministration 
of  the  Spirit  of  Life  in  Christ  Jesus.  The  Liability  of  Losing 
the  Sense  and  Savour  of  this. 

Professors  have  long  known  the  name  of  Christ,  and 
what  the  Scripture  relateth  concerning  him  so  named ; 
but,  O  that  they  could  once  know  Christ  [himself,]  and 
receive  him  into  their  vessels,  and  feel  life  flowing  from 
him  into  them.  Then,  would  they  indeed  know  Christ 
according  to  the  Spirit ;  which  knowledge  quickeneth,  but 
the  literal  knowledge  killeth.  For,  he  that  hath  the  Son, 
he  that  is  in  true  union  with  Him,  and  really  changed  by 
him,  so  as  to  become  one  nature  and  Spirit  with  Him,  he 
hath  life ;  but,  he  that  hath  not  the  Sou,  hath  not  the  life 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  231 


of  the  Sou,  nor  the  liberty  of  the  Son,  but  is  in  the  death 
of  sin,  and  in  service  unto  sin. 

The  directions  from  God's  Holy  Spirit  in  the  Scriptures, 
are  exceediugly  weighty  and  precious  in  themselves,  and 
very  proper  to  the  several  states  to  which  they  were  given 
forth  ;  and,  blessed  is  he,  who  is  found  in  the  practice  and 
observation  of  them.  And  it  hath  been  the  desire  of  my 
heart  from  my  childhood,  and  still  is,  that  I  might  be 
found  walking  witli  the  Lord,  according  to  what  is  there 
taught  and  prescribed  to  the  children  of  God,  in  the  sev- 
eral foregoing  ages  and  generations ;  which  things  were 
written,  and  are  useful,  for  our  instruction  also,  being 
read  by  us,  and  heeded,  in  that  which  gives  the  true  under- 
standing of  them. 

But,  though  this  was  my  desire,  yet,  in  my  way  to  attain 
this,  I  missed  ;  for,  I  thought,  that  by  getting  the  direc- 
tions of  Scripture  into  my  mind,  and  applying  myself  to 
the  strict  observatioij  of  them,  and  praying  for  God's  Spirit 
and  help,  I  might  obtain  what  I  desired.  And  truly,  the 
Lord  was  merciful  to  me,  and  did  help  me  in  a  great  meas- 
ure, to  walk  uprightly  and  lowlily  with  him,  and  inof- 
fensively before  men  ;  yet  not  so,  but  that  I  often  felt  the 
temptations  and  darkness  of  the  enemy  nearer  me  than  my 
rule,  and  in  many  cases  knew  not  what  to  do,  nor  how  to 
be  resolved  from  the  Scriptures. 

At  length,  the  Lord  greatly  distressed  me,  and  brought 
me  to  a  fuller  sense  of  my  want  of  his  Spirit  and  power, 
and  dashed  all  my  religion  in  pieces;  that  I  was  just  like 
Babylon,  for  in  one  hour  judgment  and  desolation  came 
upon  me.  Rev.  xviii.  10  ;  and  I  knew  not  what  to  do  without 
the  Lord,  nor  which  way  to  draw  nigh  to  him  —  but,  then 
was  the  Lord  j)ri;pariug  for  me  that  day  of  mercy,  which 
since,  in  his  tender  goodness,  is  brokeu  in  upon  me.  And 
now,  the  eye  which  he  hatii  opened  in  me  se(;th,  that  the 
gospel  is  a  ministration  of  the  Spirit  and  power  of  the  Lord 


232      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


Jesus  Christ ;  and  that  he  who  would  be  his  disciple  in- 
deed, must  be  turned  to  His  Spirit,  and  receive  the  imme- 
diate light  and  shinings  of  His  Spirit  into  his  vessel ;  and 
must  feel  the  law  of  life,  the  holy  laws  of  the  new  cove- 
nant, not  comprehended  outwardly  in  his  mind,  but  writ- 
ten inwardly  in  his  heart  by  the  finger  of  God's  Spirit. 
And,  being  written  in  his  heart,  they  have  power  over  his 
heart,  and  cause  him  to  obey  them ;  so  that,  being  here, 
he  cannot  possibly  but  fulfil  the  holy  directions  of  the 
Scriptures,  he  being  in  that  from  which  they  came,  which 
reveals  the  substance  of  them  unto  him,  and  makes  them 
living  and  powerful  in  him.  For,  indeed,  the  law  of  sin 
and  death  hath  power  over  a  man  so  long  as  he  liveth ; 
but,  when  he  meets  with  that,  which  kills  sin  and  death 
in  him,  and  maketh  him  alive  to  God,  and  he  receives  life 
in  abundance  in  and  through  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  then, 
the  fruits  of  life  become  easy  and  natural  to  him,  and  the 
fruits  and  ways  of  sin,  unbelief,  and  disobedience  unnatural : 
and  here,  the  yoke  is  easy  and  the  burden  light,  and  none 
of  the  commandments  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  grievous. 
But,  take  them  merely  out  of  the  letter,  not  feeling  the  Spirit 
leading  into  them,  and  quickening  and  enabling  to  the  per- 
formance of  them,  O  how  heavy,  how  hard  are  they  !  How 
impossible  to  believe  aright,  hope  aright,  pray  aright, 
walk  aright,  watch  aright  over  the  heart,  fight  against  the 
enemies,  lusts,  and  corruptions  aright !  &c.  On  the  other 
hand,  how  pleasant  is  the  way  of  life  in  the  covenant  of 
life,  in  the  power  and  virtue  of  life,  and  ministered  from 
the  Spirit  of  our  God  !  and  here,  he  is  praised,  and  victory 
over  his  enemies  witnessed,  and  peace  with  him  enjoyed  in 
the  pure  seed  of  life ;  blessed  be  the  name  of  our  God  for- 
ever !  For  the  letter,  or  description  of  things,  is  not  the 
way  ;  but  the  life  is  the  way,  the  Spirit  the  way,  the  power 
the  way,  the  Truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus  the  way,  which  none 
can  truly  and  rightly  know,  but  as  they  are  ingrafted  into 
and  formed  in  him,  and  he  formed  in  them  ;  —  this  is  only 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


233 


obtained,  witnessed,  and  preserved,  in  the  soul's  union  and 
communion  with,  and  obedience  to  his  Spirit  and  power 
inwardly  revealed  and  made  manifest. 

Friend,  there  is  somewhat  further  in  my  heart  towards 
thee,  which  I  have  the  true  and  certain  sense  of,  which  is 
this :  the  Lord,  who  is  near  thee  with  his  Holy  Spirit  and 
power,  hath  been  begetting  life  in  thee,  and  hath  at  times 
given  thee  a  true  sense  and  discerning,  in  some  measure ; 
but,  there  is  also  somewhat  near  thee,  which  watcheth  to 
destroy  and  devour  what  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God  begets  in 
thee,  and  to  beget  another  sense  and  belief  in  thee,  differ- 
ent therefrom,  and  indeed  contrary  thereto.  Now,  it  be- 
hoveth  thee  exceedingly  to  watch,  and  to  pray  to  the  Lord 
for  help ;  for,  the  life  of  thy  soul  depends  upon  the  ono 
of  these,  and  death  and  destruction  will  inevitably  break 
in  upon  thee,  and  have  power  over  thee,  if  thou  hearken 
to  the  other.  Whom  doth  the  enemy  so  much  strive  to 
devour,  as  the  sheep  and  inheritance  of  the  Lord?  And, 
they  are  only  preserved  in  the  Lord's  way,  and  in  subjec- 
tion to  his  Spirit.  O  how  many  hath  the  enemy  betrayed 
and  deceived  of  the  life  of  their  souls !  how  many  men's 
spirits  are  now  cankered,  and  the  good  long  ago  eaten 
out  of  them,  who  had  once  some  tenderness  and  upright 
breathings  after  the  Lord !  but  now,  their  silver  has  be- 
come dross,  and  their  wine  mixed  with  water,  so  that  the 
very  nature  and  property  of  it  is  changed  ;  the  salt  having 
lost  its  savour,  —  wherewith  shall  it  be  seasoned  ?  I  men- 
tion this  to  thee,  that  thou  mayest  watch  and  pray ;  that 
thou  thyself  do  not  lose  thy  savour,  and  sense,  and  tender- 
ness, which  the  Lord  at  some  times  kindleth  in  thee,  by 
hearkening  to  the  subtle  reasonings  and  suggestions  of 
another  spirit,  either  in  thyself  or  others. 

This  is  in  the  nakedness  of  my  heart,  as  in  the  Lord's 
sight,  and  in  the  truth  of  friendship  towards  thee. 

27 th  of  Ninth  Mouth,  1G70.  I.  P. 

20* 


234      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


LETTER  XC. 

On  Abiding  in  the  Root  of  Life. 

For  my  pear  Friends,  Brethren,  and  Sisters  in  the 
Truth,  in  and  about  the  two  Chalfonts. 

Friends, —  The  Lord  will  wonderfully  teacli  his  people, 
and  wonderfully  help  them !  he  will  pour  of  his  life  and 
virtue  into  them,  and  cause  his  strength  to  appear  in  them, 
and  break  forth  through  them,  to  the  glorifying  of  his 
name,  and  making  glad  the  hearts  of  those  that  have 
breathed  after  him,  and  waited  for  him.  Therefore,  let  us 
lift  up  our  heads,  and  "  fear  the  Lord,  and  his  goodness  in 
the  latter  days!  "  And,  let  us  wait  to  be  made  able  by 
him  to  receive  of  his  riches,  and  drink  in  of  his  fulness, 
that  we  may  become  rich  and  full  in  him,  and  kept  empty 
and  poor  in  ourselves ;  that  the  more  the  life  ariseth  in 
us,  the  more  we  may  feel  our  own  nothingness,  and  be  to 
the  praise  of  the  riches  of  his  grace  and  mercy,  wherein 
and  whereby  he  hath  made  us  accepted  in  his  Beloved. 

And,  dear  Friends,  mind  the  principle,  mind  the  root, 
into  which  the  Lord  hath  ingrafted  us ;  that  we  may  abide 
and  grow  up  therein,  and  daily  find  and  feel  the  sap 
thereof  springing  up  in  us,  and  quickening  us  more  and 
more  to  God.  Ye  know  how  ye  entered  ;  even  so,  ye  must 
abide  and  grow  up, —  even,  in  the  light,  in  the  life,  in  the 
power,  which  gathered,  preserveth,  and  causeth  to  flourish. 
So,  niy  dear  Friends,  let  us  all  dwell  in  our  everlasting 
habitation,  and  no  more  go  forth,  but  sink  into  the  king- 
dom, and  wait  to  feel  the  dominion,  righteousness,  holiness, 
power,  and  purity  thereof,  daily  revealed  more  and  more 
in  our  hearts.  For,  there  is  no  other  root  or  spring  of  life, 
than  that  into  which  the  Lord  hath  gathered  us,  no  other 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


235 


true  life  and  power  in  any  vessel  upon  the  earth,  besides 
that  which  springs  therefrom.  Therefore  feel,  O  !  i'eel  that 
which  estaljlislieth,  and  that  wherein  the  establishment  is, 
and  your  union,  life,  and  strength  therein  ;  that  ye  may 
not  be  bowed  down  or  overborne  by  whatever  happens, 
either  from  within  or  without ;  but,  may  feel  and  enjoy 
the  rest  and  peace  of  your  souls,  in  that  which  is  over  all, 
and  orders  all  to  the  good  of  those  who  fear  him,  and  in 
uprightness  of  heart  wait  upon  him  !  I.  P. 

Aylesbury  Gaol,  , 
23rd  of  Fourtli  Month,  1667. 


LETTER  XCI. 

The  Unsearchable  Riches  of  Clirist.   Believers  may  partake  thereof 
through  obedience,  and  be  preserved  from  every  harm. 

To  Friends  of  both  the  Chalfonts. 

Oh  !  the  treasures  of  wisdom  and  knowledge,  the  riches 
of  love,  mercy,  life,  power,  and  grace  of  our  God,  which 
are  treasured  up  for  the  soul  in  the  Lord  Jesus;  and  are 
freely  dispensed  and  given  out  by  him,  to  them  that  come 
unto  him,  wait  upon  him,  abide  in  him,  and  give  up  faith- 
fully to  the  law  of  his  life, —  whose  delight  it  is,  to  be 
found  in  subjection  and  obedience  to  the  light  and  requir- 
ings  of  his  Spirit. 

Feel,  my  Friends,  O !  feel  your  portion,  and  abide  in 
that  wlierein  the  inheritance  is  known,  received  and 
enjoyed.  For,  there  is  no  knowing  Christ  truly  and  sen- 
sibly, but  by  a  measure  of  his  life  lielt  in  the  heart,  whereby 
it  is  made  capable  of  understanding  the  things  of  the 
kingdom.  The  soul  without  him  is  dead  :  by  the  quicken- 
ings  of  his  Spirit,  it  comes  to  a  sense  and  capacity  of  uu- 


236       LETTERS   OP   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


derstiuiding  the  things  of  God.  Life  gives  it  a  feeliug, 
a  siglit,  a  tasting,  a  hearing,  a  smelling  of  the  heavenly 
things,  by  which  senses  it  is  able  to  discern  and  distinguish 
them  from  the  earthly  things.  And,  from  this  measure  of 
life,  the  capacity  iucreaseth,  the  senses  grow  stronger ;  it 
sees  more,  feels  more,  tastes  more,  hears  more,  smells  more. 
Now,  when  the  senses  are  grown  up  to  strength,  then  comes 
settlement  and  stability,  assurance  and  satisfaction.  Then, 
the  soul  is  assured  of,  and  established  concerning  the  things 
of  God  in  the  faith,  and  the  faith  gives  assurance  to  the 
understanding  ;  so  that  doubtings  and  disputes  in  the  mind 
fly  away,  and  the  soul  lives  in  the  certain  demonstration, 
and  fresh  sense,  and  power  of  life.  It  daily  feels  the  eternal 
Word  and  power  of  life,  to  be,  in  the  heart  and  soul,  what 
is  testified  of  it  in  the  Scripture.  It  knows  the  flesh  and 
blood  of  the  Lamb,  the  water  and  wine  of  the  kingdom, 
the  bread  which  comes  down  from  heaven  into  the  vessel, 
from  all  other  things,  by  its  daily  feeding  on  it,  and  con- 
verse with  it  in  spirit.  What  heart  can  conceive  the  right- 
eousness, the  holiness,  the  peace,  the  joy,  the  strength  of 
life  that  is  felt  here ! 

For,  Friends,  there  is  no  straituess  in  the  Fountain. 
God  is  fulness :  and  it  is  his  delight  to  empty  himself  into 
the  hearts  of  his  children ;  and  he  doth  empty  himself,  ac- 
cording as  he  makes  way  in  them,  and  as  they  are  able  to 
drink  in  of  his  living  virtue.  Therefore,  where  the  soul  is 
enlarged,  where  the  senses  are  grown  strong,  where  the 
mouth  is  opened  wide,  (the  Lord  God,  standing  ready  to 
pour  out  of  his  riches,)  what  should  hinder  it  from  being 
filled  ?  And,  being  filled,  how  natural  is  it  to  run  over, 
and  break  forth  inwardly,  in  admiration  and  deep  sense  of 
spirit,  concerning  what  it  cannot  utter!  saying,  O  the  ful- 
ness, O  the  depth,  height,  breadth,  and  length  of  the  love ! 
O  the  compassion,  the  mercy,  the  tenderness  of  our  Father ! 
How  hath  he  pitied,  how  hath  he  pardoned,  beyond  what 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


237 


the  heart  could  believe !  how  hath  he  helped  in  the  hour 
of  distress !  how  hath  he  conquered,  and  scattered  the 
enemies !  which,  in  the  unbelief^  the  heart  was  ready  often 
to  say,  were  unconquerable,  and  that  it  should  one  day 
die,  by  the  hand  of  one  or  other  of  its  mighty  enemies, 
lusts,  and  corruptions.  How  hath  he  put  an  end  to  doubts, 
fears,  disputes,  troubles,  wherewith  the  mind  was  over- 
whelmed and  tossed !  and  now,  he  extends  peace  like  a 
river ;  now,  he  puts  the  soul  forth  out  of  the  pit,  into  the 
green  pastures  ;  now,  it  feeds  on  the  freshness  of  life,  and 
is  satisfied,  and  drinks  of  the  river  of  God's  pleasure,  and 
is  delighted  !  and  sings  praise  to  the  Lamb,  and  Him  that 
sits  on  the  throne,  saying.  Glory,  glory!  life,  power,  do- 
minion, and  majesty,  over  all  the  powers  of  darkness,  over 
all  the  enemies  of  the  soul,  be  to  thy  name  for  evermore  ! 

Now,  my  dear  Friends,  ye  know  somewhat  of  this,  and 
ye  know  the  way  to  it.  O  be  faithful,  be  faithful !— travel 
on,  travel  on  ;  let  nothing  stop  you  ;  but,  wait  for  and 
daily  follow  the  sensible  leadings  of  that  measure  of  life, 
which  God  hath  placed  in  you, —  which  is  one  with  the 
fulness,  and  into  which  the  fulness  runs  daily  and  fills  it, 
that  it  may  run  into  you  and  fill  you.  O  that  ye  were 
enlarged  in  your  own  hearts,  as  the  bowels  of  the  Eiord 
are  enlarged  towards  you !  It  is  the  day  of  love,  of 
mercy,  of  kindness,  of  the  working  of  the  tender  hand, — • 
of  the  wisdom,  power,  and  goodness  of  our  God,  manifested 
richly  in  Jesus  Christ !  O  !  why  should  there  be  any  stop 
in  any  of  us  ?  The  Lord  remove  that  which  stands  in  the 
way ;  and,  in  the  faithful  waiting  on  the  power  which  is 
arisen,  the  Lord  will  remove,  yea,  the  Lord  doth  remove ; 
and  growth  in  his  Truth  and  power,  is  witnessed  by  those 
that  wait  upon  him.  So,  my  dear  Friends,  be  encouraged 
to  wait  upon  the  Lord  in  the  pure  fear,  in  the  precious 
faith  and  hope  which  is  of  him  ;  and  ye  will  see  and  leel, 
he  will  exalt  the  horn  of  his  Anointed  in  you,  over  the 


?38       LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


horn  of  that  which  is  unaiioiuted,  and  will  sweep,  and 
cleanse,  and  purify,  even  till  he  hath  left  no  place  for  the 
impure :  and  then  ye  shall  become  his  full  dwelling-place, 
the  place  of  his  rest,  the  place  of  his  delight,  the  place  of 
his  displaying  his  pure  life  and  glory ;  and  he  will  be  your 
perfect  dwelling-place  for  evermore ! 

May  the  Lord  God  in  his  tender  mercy,  and  because  of 
his  deep  and  free  love  unto  us,  guide  our  hearts  daily 
more  and  more  in  the  travel,  and  into  the  possession  of 
this  ;  that  every  soul  may  inherit  and  possess,  notwith- 
standing all  its  enemies,  what  it  hath  travelled  into,  and 
may  also  daily,  further  and  further,  travel  into  what  is 
yet  before.  I.  P, 

Aylesbury  Gaol, 
2nd  and  3rd  of  Sixth  Month,  1667. 

POSTSCRIPT. 

Friends, —  Be  not  discouraged  because  of  your  soul's 
enemies.  Are  ye  troubled  with  thoughts,  fears,  doubts, 
imaginations,  reasonings,  &c  ?  yea,  do  ye  see,  yet,  much 
in  you  unsubdued  to  the  power  of  life  ?  O !  do  not  fear 
it ;  do  not  look  at  it,  so  as  to  be  discouraged  by  it ;  but 
lookfto  Him !  look  up  to  the  power  which  is  over  all  their 
strength  ;  wait  for  the  descendings  of  the  power  upon  you  ; 
abide  in  faith  of  the  Lord's  help,  and  wait  in  patience  till 
the  Lord  arise ;  and  see,  if  his  arm  do  not  scatter,  what 
yours  could  not.  So,  be  still  before  him,  and,  in  stillness, 
believe  in  his  name ;  yea,  enter  not  into  the  hurryings  of 
the  enemy,  though  they  fill  the  soul ;  for,  there  is  yet  some- 
what to  which  they  cannot  enter,  from  whence  patience, 
faith,  and  hope,  will  spring  up  in  you,  even  in  the  midst 
of  all  that  they  can  do. 

Therefore,  into  this  sink  ;  in  this  lie  hid  in  the  evil  hour ; 
and  the  temptations  will  pass  away,  and  the  tempter's 
strength  be  broken,  and  the  arm  of  the  Lord,  which  brake 


LETTERS   OF    ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


239 


him,  be  revealed  ;  and  then  ye  shall  see,  that  he  raised  but 
a  sea  of  trouble  to  your  souls,  to  sink  himself  by  ;  and  the 
Lord  will  throw  the  horse  and  his  rider,  which  ti'ampelled 
upon  and  rode  over  the  Just  in  you,  into  that  sea;  and  ye 
sliall  stand  upon  the  bank,  and  sing  the  song  of  Moses  to 
Him  that  drowned  him,  and  delivered  you  from  him!  and, 
in  due  season,  ye  shall  sing  the  song  of  the  Lamb  also, 
when  his  life  springs  up  in  you  in  his  pure  dominion  ; 
triumphing  over  death,  and  all  that  is  contrary  to  God, 
both  within  and  without. 

Now,  Friends,  in  a  sensible  waiting  and  giving  up  to 
the  Lord,  in  the  daily  exercise,  by  the  daily  cross  to  that 
in  you,  which  is  not  of  the  life,  this  work  will  daily  go 
on;  and  ye  will  feel,  from  the  Lord,  that  which  will  help, 
relieve,  refresh,  and  satisfy,  which  neither  tongues  nor 
words  can  utter.  And,  may  the  Lord  God  breathe  upon 
you,  preserve  and  fill  you  with  his  life  and  holy  Sjiirit ; 
to  the  growth  and  rejoicing  of  your  souls  in  him,  who  is 
our  blessed  Father,  and  merciful  Redeemer  —  in  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  our  Head  and  King  forever  and  for  ever- 
more ! 

And  then,  as  to  what  may  befall  us  outwardly,  in  this 
confused  state  of  things,  shall  we  not  trust  our  tender 
Father,  and  rest  satisfied  in  his  will  ?  Are  we  not  engraven 
in  his  heart,  and  on  the  palms  of  his  hands,  and  can  he 
forget  us  in  any  thing  he  doth?  Shall  any  thing  hurt  us? 
Shall  any  tiling  come  between  us  and  our  life,  between  us 
and  his  love;  and  tender  care  over  us  ?  What,  though  the 
fig-tree  should  not  blossom,  neither  there  be  any  fruit  in 
the  vine;  what  though  the  labour  of  the  olive  should  fail, 
and  the  fields  yield  no  meat ;  what,  though  the  flock  be 
cut  off  from  the  fold,  and  there  be  no  herd  in  the  stalls ; 
may  we  not,  for  all  this,  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  and  joy  in 
the  God  of  our  salvation?  And  what,  though  the  earth 
be  removed,  and  the  mountains  carried  into  the  midst  of 


240      LETTERS    OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 

the  sea ;  what,  though  the  waters  thereof  roar  and  be 
troubled,  and  the  raountaius  shake  with  the  swelling 
thereof ;  is  there  not  a  river,  the  streams  whereof  make 
glad  the  city  of  God?  Is  not  the  joy,  the  virtue,  the  life, 
the  sweet  refreshment  thereof,  felt  in  the  holy  place  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  Most  High  ?  And  He  that  provides  in- 
ward food  for  the  inward  man,  inward  clothing,  inward 
refreshment;  shall  he  not  provide  also  sufficient  for  the 
outward  ?  Yea,  shall  he  not  bear  up  the  mind,  and  be  our 
strength,  portion,  armour,  rock,  peace,  joy,  and  full  satis- 
faction, in  every  condition  ?  For,  it  is  not  the  condition 
makes  miserable,  but  the  want  of  him  in  the  condition : 
he  is  the  substance  of  all,  the  virtue  of  all,  the  life  of  all, 
the  power  of  all ;  he  nourisheth,  he  preserveth,  he  uphold- 
eth,  with  the  creatures  or  without  the  creatures,  as  it 
pleaseth  him  ;  and  he  that  hath  Him,  he  that  is  with  Him, 
he  that  is  in  Him  cannot  want.  Hath  the  spirit  of  this 
world  content  in  all  that  it  enjoys  ?  No :  it  is  restless,  it 
is  unsatisfied.  But,  can  tribulation,  distress,  persecution, 
famine,  nakedness,  peril,  or  sword,  come  between  the  love 
of  the  Father  to  the  child,  or  the  child's  rest,  content,  and 
delight  in  his  love?  And  doth  not  the  love,  the  peace, 
the  joy,  the  rest  felt,  swallow  up  all  the  bitterness  and 
sorrow  of  the  outward  condition  ? 

The  seed,  the  godliness,  the  uprightness,  the  true  na- 
ture and  birth,  hath  not  only  the  promise  of  eternal 
life  ;  but,  also  whatever  is  necessary  for  the  vessel  where- 
in it  dwells,  in  this  life  too.  So,  dwell  in  that  to  which  is 
the  promise,  and  live  upon  the  promise ;  yea,  live  upon 
that,  which  cannot  miss  of  the  promise,  but  feels  the  pres- 
ence and  power  of  the  Father,  in  all  and  over  all.  The 
just  lives  by  his  faith  ;  and  he  that  is  in  union  with  the 
just,  lives  by  the  faith  of  the  just,  and  takes  no  more  care 
than  the  lilies,  but  leaves  the  care  of  all,  to  Him  to  whom 
it  properly  belongs,  and  who  hath  taken  it  upon  him ; 


LETTERS   OF  ISAAC 


PENINGTON. 


241 


who  nourishes,  clothes,  preserves,  and  pauses  the  lilies  of 
the  field  to  grow  aud  flourish  iu  beauty  and  glory  :  and 
shall  he  not  much  more  clothe,  nourish,  and  take  care  of 
his  own  lilies,  the  heavenly  lilies,  the  lilies  of  his  garden  ? 

Let  us,  then,  not  look  out,  like  the  world,  or  judge  or 
fear  according  to  the  appearance  of  things,  after  the  man- 
ner of  the  world ;  but  let  us  sanctify  the  Lord  of  hosts  in 
our  hearts,  and  let  him  be  our  fear  and  dread  ;  and  he 
shall  be  an  hiding-place  unto  us  in  the  storms,  and  in  the 
tempests,  which  are  coming  thick  upon  the  earth. 

Thus,  my  dear  friends,  let  us  retire,  and  dwell  in  the 
peace  which  God  breathes,  and  lie  down  in  the  Lamb's 
patience,  and  stillness,  night  and  day,  which  nothing  can 
wear  out  or  disturb :  and  so,  the  preservation  of  the  poor 
and  needy  shall  be  felt  to  be  in  his  name ;  and  glory  shall 
be  sung  to  his  name  over  all,  which  is  a  strong  tower,  a 
mighty,  impregnable  rock  of  defence,  against  all  assaults 
and  dangers  whatsoever  ;  —  which,  they  that  have  trusted 
therein,  have  already  experienced  it  to  be;  and  they  that 
continue  trusting  therein,  shall  always  experience  it  so  to 
be,  in  all  trials  and  dangers,  whatever  may  happen,  of 
what  kind  soever,  even  to  the  end.  Amen. 


LETTER  XCIL 

On  the  Fear  of  God. 

To  THOSE  Persons  that  Drink  of  the  Waters  at 
AsTKOP  Wells. 

Thkre  is  a  great  God,  the  Creator  of  all  things,  who 
gave  man  a  being  here  in  this  world  ;  to  whom  every  man 
must  give  an  account,  when  he  goes  out  of  this  world. 

This  great  God,  who  loves  mankind,  and  would  not  have 
21  '  O 


242      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


them  perish,  is  nigh  unto  man,  to  teach  him  the  fear,  which 
is  due  from  him  to  God.  The  man  that  learns  this  pure 
fear  of  God,  is  daily  exercised  by  it  in  departing  from  evil, 
both  in  thought,  word,  and  deed,  and  in  doing  that  which 
is  good  in  his  sight. 

There  is  likewise  another  teacher  near  man,  who  is  also 
ready  to  teach  such  as  do  not  know  God,  or  fear  God,  that 
which  is  dishonourable  to  the  great  God,  who  made  man  a 
vessel  of  honour,  and  to  be  to  his  glory.  They  that  learn 
of  this  teacher,  learn  not  to  fear  God,  or  to  do  good,  but 
to  please  themselves  in  doing  evil,  botli  in  thought,  word, 
and  deed.  O  !  what  account  will  all  such  give,  when  they 
go  out  of  this  world,  and  come  to  be  judged  by  the  great 
God,  (who  is  of  pure  eyes,  and  cannot  behold  iniquity,) 
when  all  their  sins  are  set  in  order  by  him  before  them, 
and  just  judgment  proportioned  by  him  thereunto !  O ! 
why  do  men  forget  God  their  Creator,  days  without  num- 
ber, hearkening  to  him  who  first  deceived  them,  doing  the 
will  of  the  deceiver  and  destroyer  of  souls,  and  not  the 
will  of  the  blessed  Creator  and  Saviour ! 

O !  hearken  to  wisdom's  counsel,  when  she  cries  in  the 
secret  of  your  hearts  against  that  which  is  evil,  and  con- 
trary to  the  nature,  life,  and  will  of  God ;  lest  a  day  of 
calamity  from  God  come  upon  you,  and  then  ye  crj  unto 
the  pitiful  and  tender  God,  and  his  face  be  turned  against 
you,  and  he  refuse  to  show  mercy  to  you !  Read  Prov.  i. 
20,  to  the  end  of  the  chapter ;  and  the  Lord  give  you  the 
weighty  consideration  and  true  understanding  of  it  for 
your  soul's  good,  and  for  the  reclaiming  of  you  from  any- 
thing that  is  evil,  and  destructive  to  your  souls. 

This  is  written  in  tender  love  unto  you,  from  one  who 
pities  and  loves  you,  and  desires  your  prosperity  in  this 
world,  and  your  everlasting  happiness  with  God  forever. 

I.  P. 

ASTBOP, 

15tli  of  Sixtli  Month,  1678. 


LETTEES   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  243 


LETTER  XCIII. 

Some  Doubts  Answered  Eesj)ecting  Prayer. 

To  Widow  Hemmings. 

Friend, — Well  may  there  doubts  and  scruples  arise  in 
the  minds  of  persons  concerning  prayer,  as  they  come  to 
any  sense  or  touch  of  Truth  from  God's  Holy  Spirit ;  that 
duty  having  been  performed  and  practised  so  long  from 
the  fleshly  mind  and  nature,  and  not  in  the  leading  will 
and  compass  of  God's  Holy  Spirit  and  power.  And  those 
who  doubt  therein,  cannot  be  satisfied,  till  the  Lord  open 
their  spirits,  and  make  the  thing  manifest  to  them!  yet, 
this  is  most  certain,  that  all  prayer,  all  true  prayer  to 
God,  is  in  and  from  his  Holy  Spirit ;  and  whatsoever  is 
otherwise,  is  not  accepted  of  the  Father.  The  promise, 
indeed,  is  to  the  prayer  in  faith  and  to  the  Holy  Spirit ; 
but  not  to  the  prayer  of  the  fleshly  birth,  will,  or  wisdom. 
Therefore,  the  great  care  and  concern  in  prayer  is,  that 
that  which  is  of  God  pray  unto  the  Father,  in  the  quick- 
enings  and  motions  of  his  own  Spirit.  For,  the  dead  can- 
not praise  God,  nor  can  the  dead  truly  pray  unto  him. 
And  truly,  in  the  forbearing  praying,  there  can  be  no 
peace,  for  we  are  to  pray  continually ;  nor  in  praying  in 
a  formal  way  without  life,  without  God's  Spirit,  (who 
gives  to  pray,  and  who  makes  intercession,)  can  there  be 
any  peace  within ;  rather  accusation  and  anguish  to  that 
mind,  which,  desiring  to  pray  aright,  yet  knows  not  how 
so  to  do.  But  it  is  manifest,  prayer  is  not  in  the  time, 
will,  or  power  of  the  creature  ;  foi',  it  is  a  gift  of  God,  and 
the  ability  lodges  in  his  Spirit ;  it  is  not  ours,  but  as  given 
of  his  Sj)irit, —  which,  therefore,  is  to  be  waited  upon, 
when  it  will  move  and  breathe  in  us,  and  so  give  us  the 


244      LETTERS  OF  ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


ability  of  calling  upon  the  Father,  and  the  power  of  pre- 
vailing with  the  Father,  in  the  name  and  through  the 
life  of  the  Son. 

Now,  as  to  thy  queries,  I  shall  answer  in  plainness,  as 
the  Lord  shall  please  to  open  my  heart. 

As  to  the  first.  Whenever  the  creature  finds  breathings 
to  the  Father  from  a  sense  of  its  wants,  these  are  not  to 
be  stopped,  but  to  be  offered  up  in  that,  from  which  the 
breathings  come.  For,  there  is  no  true  sense  of  one's  con- 
dition, or  of  one's  wants,  but  from  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord ; 
and  the  Lord  gives  this  sense,  that  the  soul  might  feel  its 
need  of  him,  and  cry  to  him ;  and  every  sigh  and  groan, 
that  is  thus  offered  up  to  him,  is  accepted  of  him,  and 
prevails  with  him  for  good  towards  that  soul,  which  it 
shall  certainly  receive,  as  it  comes  to  know  the  Lamb  of 
God,  and  follow  him  in  the  leadings  of  his  good  and  Holy 
Spirit.  And,  in  particular,  it  ought  to  pray  for  the  ap- 
pearance of  God's  Spirit  and  power ;  and,  if  it  do  already 
taste  somewhat  of  it,  it  ought  to  pray  for  more  of  the  Spirit, 
and  that  it  may  distinguish  the  requests  that  rise  up  in 
the  heart,  whether  they  come  from  God's  Holy  Spirit  and 
will,  or  from  the  fleshly  nature  and  will.  For,  the  wi'ong 
birth  also  desires  the  kingdom,  and  would  have  the  king- 
dom, and  prays  for  the  kingdom,  and  strives  for  the  king- 
dom ;  but  it  prays  amiss,  and  it  strives  amiss,  even  so,  as 
it  never  shall  obtain,  the  kingdom  being  appointed  for, 
and  given  to  another. 

To  the  second.  Those  that  do  not  know,  nor  are  sensible 
partakers  of  the  Spirit,  yet  feeling  their  want  thereof,  and 
true  desires  after  it,  ought  to  offer  up  those  desires  to  God ; 
and  keejiing  in  that  which  begets  those  desires,  they  shall 
not  long  be  ignorant  of  God's  Spirit,  but  find  that  God  is 
more  willing  to  give  it,  than  a  parent  to  give  necessary 
things  to  his  children.  But  those  that  have  prayed  long 
for  the  Spirit,  yet  have  not  hitherto  received  it,  have  just 


LETTERS  OP   ISAAC  PENINGTON".  245 


cause  to  question  the  nature  and  ground  of  their  prayers ; 
since  God  is  so  ready  to  ^ive  the  Spii'it  to  his  children. 
For,  doth  a  child  ask  bread  of  his  father  for  many  years, 
and  not  receive  it?  O  consider  this  thing!  If  the  child 
ask  the  Spirit  aright,  it  is  impossible  but  he  should  receive 
some  proportion  of  it  from  the  Father,  so  much  as  is 
necessary  to  his  present  state.  God  doth  require  his  chil- 
dren to  perform  everything  to  him  in  and  with  his  Spirit, 
knowing  they  can  do  nothing  right  without  it ;  and  surely, 
he  will  not  require  duties  of  them,  and  withhold  that  from 
them,  without  which,  they  cannot  acceptably  perform 
these  duties  to  him. 

To  the  third.  A  notion  that  all  the  soul's  supplies  are 
from  the  Father,  is  not  a  sufficient  ground  of  prayer ;  for 
the  false  birth  may,  and  often  doth  pray  so ;  but,  a  true 
feeling  of  the  thing,  is  a  sufficient  ground,  if  the  heart 
and  mind  keep  within  the  limits  of  the  feeling,  and  offer 
up  no  more  than  what  ariseth  there ;  for,  truly,  that  is 
from  the  Spirit,  of  the  Spirit,  and  in  the  Spirit,  wherever 
it  is  found.  And,  O !  that  every  one  who  hath  any  true 
sense  of  God,  might  wait  on  him,  to  savour  ihi.s  little  which 
ariseth  from  God,  from  [amidst]  the  multitude  of  his 
thoughts,  words,  and  desires,  Avhich  are  from  another  root, 
—  even  from  the  flesh,  and  are  of  a  fleshly  nature,  neither 
are  of  value,  nor  avail  with  the  Lox'd :  but,  the  birth  of 
life,  the  sensible  breathings  of  his  own  life,  in  the  poorest 
and  weakest  babe,  are  always  of  esteem,  and  prevail  with 
the  Father. 

To  the  fourth.  The  creature  may  misapprehend  its 
duty,  may  have  a  wrong  sense,  apprehending  that  to  be  its 
duty  which  is  not,  and  may  not  apprehend  that  to  be  its 
duty  which  is;  and  so,  if  the  sense  be  wrong,  then  the  act 
of  obedience,  (according  to  this  wrong  sense,)  is  wrong 
also,  and  is  not  accepted  with  the  Father.  It  is  true, 
prayer  is  of  God,  and  is  a  duty ;  not  all  prayer,  but  prayer 
21* 


246      LETTERS   OP   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


after  that  manner  that  the  Lord  requires,  whicli  is  in  the 
true  sense,  and  within  the  limits  of  the  true  Spirit  and 
power  —  praying  always  in  the  Holy  Ghost.  The  pure 
prayer,  the  pure  breathings  of  God's  child,  of  the  true 
birth,  is  always  within  the  limit  which  God  hath  pre- 
scribed. Therefore,  watch  unto  prayer,  watch  unto  God's 
preparing  the  heart,  by  the  motion  and  virtue  of  his  good 
Spirit,  and  offer  up  the  breathings  that  then  arise;  and 
wait  to  distinguish  between  the  desires  which  arise  from 
the  fleshly  part,  and  the  desires  which  arise  from  the  spir- 
itual and  heavenly  part.  For,  the  first  nature  is  earthly ; 
but  the  second  nature,  the  nature  which  is  from  the  second 
Adam,  the  quickening  Spirit,  is  pure  and  heavenly ;  and 
such  are  all  the  desires  and  breathings,  that  spring  from 
that  nature  in  the  vessel.  And,  as  thou  comest  into  that 
nature,  and  into  that  Spirit  from  which  the  nature  pro- 
ceeds, thou  wilt  truly  distinguish  concerning  prayer,  con- 
cerning fixith,  concerning  love,  and  all  other  spiritual 
things ;  and  wilt  know  Him  who  is  Truth  and  no  lie, 
who  deceives  not,  but  preserves  that  mind  which  is 
given  up  to  him,  and  abides  in  him,  out  of  all  error  and 
deceit. 

Thou  seeniest,  also,  to  be  disturbed  about  some  other 
duties,  as  well  as  prayer.  If  the  Lord  have  begun  to  put 
a  stop  to  the  workings  of  flesh  in  thee,  and  thou  be  sub- 
ject to  him  therein,  and  cease  from  thy  own  willings 
and  workings,  and  wait  ou  him  'to  be  taught  to  perform 
things  aright, —  this  is  his  love  to  thee;  and,  if  thou 
come  to  feel  the  leadings  of  his  Spirit  further,  and  fol- 
low him,  thou  wilt  have  cause  to  bless  his  name,  as  many 
others  have,  whom  in  this  day  he  hath  thus  led.  In- 
deed, flesh  should  be  silent  before  him.  Alas!  what  room 
is  there  for  his  Spirit  and  power,  when  there  is  such  a 
multitude  of  thoughts,  and  workings,  and  reasonings, 
such  a  noise  of  flesh  in  many  hearts  and  spirits?  Hapjsy 


LETTERS   OP   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  247 


is  he,  who  feels  flesh  silent,  who  comes  to  an  end  of  his 
own  willing  and  running,  though  that  is  a  time  of  great 
distress,  when  the  full  mind  is  emptied  and  brought 
low ;  but  then,  He  that  shows  mercy  is  near,  and  the  day 
of  mercy  is  not  far  off  to  that  soul. 

The  Lord  raise  up  that  in  thee,  which  is  of  him ;  and 
so  guide  and  order  thy  heart,  that  it  may  long  and  cry 
after  him,  and  be  heard  and  satisfied  by  him.        I.  P. 

28tli  of  Ninth  Month,  1C70. 


LETTEE  XCIV. 

On  Drinking  of  the  Fountain  of  Living  Waters. 
To  Widow  Hemmings. 

There  are  two  or  three  Scriptures  now  on  my  heart  to 
lay  before  thee ;  and  it  is  the  desire  of  soul,  that  thou  ^ 
mayest  so  know  the  Lord,  and  so  receive  his  Sou,  as  that 
thou  mayest  experience  them. 

The  first  is  in  Prov.  v.  15,  "  Drink  waters  out  of  thine 
own  cistern,  and  running  waters  out  of  thine  own  well." 

The  second  is  the  words  of  Christ,  John,  vii.  38,  "  He 
that  believeth  on  me,  as  the  Scripture  hath  said,  out  of  his 
belly  shall  flow  rivers  (or  streams)  of  living  waters."  For, 
"  there  is  a  river  the  streams  whereof  make  glad  the  city 
of  God." 

The  third  is  that  of  John,  iv.  14,  where  Christ  signifies, 
that  whosoever  drinketli  of  the  water  which  he  givcth, 
shall  never  tliirst  more  alter  water  from  without,  but  shall 
forever  thenceforward  be  satisfied  with  the  springings  up 
of  the  well  of  life  from  within. 

To  these  I  may  add,  the  precious  promise  of  the  sweet 


248       LETTERS   OF    ISAAC  PENIKGTON. 


Btate  of  the  gospel,  Isai.  xii.  3,  "  Therefore,  with  joy  shall 
ye  draw  water  out  of  the  wells  of  salvation : "  the  out- 
ward Jew  drew  the  outward  water  from  the  outward  wells : 
they  had  the  upper  springs,  and  the  nether  springs  out- 
wardly ;  but  the  inward  Jew,  in  the  light  of  the  gospel 
day,  draws  inward  water  out  of  the  inward  wells  with  joy. 
The  thirsting  after  it,  when  the  soul  could  not  meet  with 
it,  was  a  time  of  great  sorrow  and  perplexity ;  but,  when 
the  river  of  life  is  found,  when  the  well  of  life  is  received, 
and  the  water  springs  up,  the  soul  draws  it  from  the  spring, 
and  drinks  it  with  unspeakable  joy.  This  metaphor  or 
similitude  is  explained  by  the  evangelist  John,  at  ch.  7, 
V.  39.  The  receiving  of  the  Spirit,  the  receiving  of  the 
substance,  belongs  to  the  Christian's  state,  as  the  receiving 
of  the  figures  did  to  the  Jew's  state.  When  the  Spirit  is 
receiv'ed  —  the  river,  the  well  of  life  is  received  ;  and  then, 
the  waters  thereof  flow,  and  are  drawn  and  drunk  of  Now, 
the  primitive  Christians  did  receive  the  Spirit,  not  only  in 
gifts  and  manifestations,  but  as  a  fountain  of  life  and  heav- 
enly virtue  dwelling  within  them.  Kom.  viii.  9.  And,  as 
He  dwelt  in  them,  so  life  sprang  up  from  him,  peace,  joy, 
knowledge,  virtue,  wisdom,  power,  &c. ;  even  the  peace 
which  passeth  all  man's  understanding,  and  joy  which  is 
unspeakable  and  full  of  glory.  The  presence  of  God  Avas 
with  these,  and  they  knew  the  times  of  refreshment,  even 
the  times  of  consolation  from  the  holy  Comforter. 

These  things  are  witnessed  now  again,  in  the  preaching 
of  the  same  everlasting  gos^jel,  by  the  same  eternal  Sjairit 
and  power,  which  preached  it  at  first.  For,  though  the 
vessels  in  which  the  power  appears  are  contemptible  now, 
to  the  professors  and  wise  ones  of  this  age,  as  they  were 
then  to  the  professors  and  wise  ones  of  that  age ;  yet,  it  is 
the  same  treasure  of  life  which  is  hid,  and  at  times  is  made 
manifest,  revealed  in  and  through  the  earthen  vessels :  — 
blessed  be  the  Lord  !  of  whom  is  the  excellence  of  the  glory, 


LETTERS   OF    ISAAC   PENINGTON.  249 


and  not  of  us,  who  are  but  instruments  and  vessels  in  his 
hand.  Now,  seeing  the  Lord  liath  given  us  to  partake  of 
the  riches  of  his  grace,  and  of  the  precious  treasures  of  life 
in  his  Son,  and  of  his  everlasting  kingdom,  we  cannot  hold 
our  peace ;  but,  are  required  of  him  to  proclaim  the  day 
of  the  Lord,  the  day  of  the  gospel,  even  the  evei'lasting 
day,  which  never  shall  have  an  end ;  and  invite  to  the 
waters  of  life,  the  pure,  still  streams  of  Shiloh,  which  our 
souls  drink  of,  and  are  satisfied  with  ;  —  especially  to  such 
as  now  thirst  after  them,  as  our  souls  once  vehemently  did, 
and  were  near  failing  through  the  extremity  of  thirst ;  — 
which  thirst  or  desire,  for  the  nature  of  it,  (blessed  be  the 
Lord !)  is  not  lost  or  extinguished,  but  satisfied.  And  so,  the 
spouse  having  heard  the  Spirit  inviting  to  the  waters,  being 
taught  by  Him  to  come  to,  and  drink  of  the  living  streams, 
daily  also  enjoying  life  and  sweetness  therefrom  ;  now,  she 
cries  also  to  her  fellow-travellers,  to  the  weary  and  thirsty 
ones,  —  O  come,  saith  she,  to  the  fountain  of  life,  which  I 
mourned  after,  and  languished  for  want  of!  O  taste  the 
sweetness  of  my  Beloved,  for  whom  my  soul  fainted,  when 
I  could  not  find  him !  So  that,  not  only  the  Spirit  of  the 
living  God  saith.  Come  ;  but  tlie  bride  also  saith.  Come  ; 
for,  the  fountain  is  not  now  sealed  any  longer,  but  open, 
through  the  tender  mercies  of  our  God,  for  every  thirsty 
soul ;  that  whoever  hath  a'will  kindled  in  him  by  the  Lord, 
may  come  to  drink  of  the  water  of  life  freely. 

O  !  drink,  then,  no  longer  at  the  muddy  streams  of  your 
own  conceivings  and  imaginations,  with  which,  that  which 
inwardly  thirsts  after  the  living  God,  and  his  pure  streams 
of  life,  cannot  be  satisfied ;  (it  is  not  the  true  seed,  it  is 
another  birth  which  is  satisfied  with  these  things,  before 
the  fountain  of  life  comes  to  be  opened  in  the  heart ;)  but, 
wait  on  the  Lord,  retire  in  spirit  to  be  gathered  into  his 
light,  which  he  causes  to  shine  in  tlie  heart,  and  into  his 
Sou's  life  and  Spirit,  which  he  mauifestetb  and  revealeth 


250      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTOJf. 


there  ;  that  ye  may  eat  that  which  is  good,  and  be  satisfied 
with  the  fatness  of  his  house,  and  drink  of  the  river  of  his 
pleasures !  For,  indeed,  the  Lord,  in  this  liis  gospel  day, 
doth  make  to  his  children  a  feast  of  fot  things,  and  of 
wines  on  the  lees  well  refine,d,  on  his  holy  mountain,  even 
in  the  kingdom  which  cannot  be  shaken  ;  and  the  Beloved 
doth  not  only  knock  at  the  door  of  the  heart,  but  comes 
in,  and  sups  with  his,  and  they  with  him.  I.  P. 

16th  of  Eighth  Month,  1672. 


LETTER  XCV. 

Considerations  relative  to  the  Cliurch ;  with  some  Cautions  to 
Christian  Professors. 

To  MY  Friexds  at  Hoetox  axd  thereabouts. 

There  hath  been  a  cloudy  and  dark  day,  wherein  God's 
church  and  building  hath  been  laid  waste,  and  his  holy 
city  (according  to  his  decree  and  pur})0se)  trodden  under 
foot  by  the  Gentiles  ;  all  which  time,  his  church  hath  been 
as  a  desolate  widow,  mourning  in  the  wilderness.  Yet, 
during  this  season,  God  hath  not  left  his  people  ;  but,  there 
have  been  breathings  and  stirrings  of  life  in  and  from  the 
precious  seed  ;  in  which  breathings  of  life,  they  have  seen 
somewhat  of  the  beauty  of  the  built  state,  and  have  had 
true  desires  and  longings  after  it :  but,  in  the  midst  of 
these  desires,  the  enemy  hath  struck  in  upon  their  spirits, 
and  put  them  upon  pressing  more  forward  towards  it,  than 
they  have  been  truly  led.  So,  reading  in  the  Scriptures 
of  a  Church  state  and  church  orders,  &c.,  they  thought  it 
was  their  duty  to  set  on  building ;  and  so,  have  thrust 
themselves  into  these  things,  in  which  they  have  not  been 
accepted  of  the  Lord ;  though,  in  their  breathings  and 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  251 


true  desires,  they  were  accepted.  And,  what  hath  been 
the  issue  of  these  buildings  ?  Ah !  the  pure  seed  hath 
been  buried  in  them  —  they  have  been  as  a  grave  to  it; 
and  their  own  imaginations,  and  wrought  out  knowledge, 
and  way  of  worship,  hath  been  of  high  esteem. 

O  Lord  my  God!  raise  again,  I  beseech  thee,  the  pure 
life,  and  those  pure  breathings  which  have  been  drowned, 
lost  and  buried  in  these  buildings ! 

Now,  dear  Friends,  the  Lord  alone  built  his  church  at 
the  first.  The  Lord  also  laid  the  buildings  waste,  and 
carried  his  living  temple,  out  of  the  shell  of  it,  into  a 
wilderness.  And  the  Lord  alone  can  lead  his  church  out 
of  the  wilderness,  (leaning  upon  her  Beloved,)  into  her 
built  state  again.  Ah!  dear  Friends,  all  must  be  scat- 
tered, all  must  be  scattered, —  all  the  gatherings,  all  the 
buildings,  which  are  not  of  the  Lord,  that  his  gathering, 
his  building  may  be  known  and  exalted  in  the  earth  :  so 
that,  I  would  not  have  you  hold  up  any  thing,  in  this  day 
of  the  Lord,  (it  is  so,  indeed,)  against  the  light  and  power 
of  the  Lord.  The  Lord  is  able,  and  will  maintain  his 
building,  however  weak  and  low  of  esteem  it  be  in  the  eye 
of  man ;  but,  man  shall  not  be  able  to  maintain  his  build- 
ings, however  high  and  strong  in  his  own  eye ;  yea,  every 
high  tower,  and  every  fenced  city  shall  fall  before  the 
dread  of  His  presence,  who  hath  now  appeared  among  his 
poor,  desolate  people,  and  gathered  them  within  the  verge 
of  his  power :  blessed  be  his  holy  name  forever ! 

And,  since  my  spirit  is  at  this  time  thus  unexpectedly 
opened,  in  love  and  in  life,  towards  you,  I  shall  mention 
one  or  two  great  snares,  which  I  see  professors  entangled 
in  ;  that  you  may  wait  on  the  Lord,  to  escape  the  evil  and 
danger  of  them.  —  One  is,  this  :  they  look  too  much  at  out- 
ward time  and  outward  tilings,  and  their  expectations  are 
too  much  that  way.  O  let  it  not  be  so  with  you !  but  wait 
for  the  inward  day,  wherein,  the  things  of  God  are  wrought 


252       LETTEES   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


in  the  heart.  And  take  heed  to  your  steps,  thoughts,  and 
ways:  for,  the  Lord,  who  liath  long  tenderly  visited,  is  now 
laying  stumbling-blocks;  and  not  only  the  world,  but  even 
professors  also,  shall  be  hardened,  snared,  fall,  and  be 
taken  ;  and  this  word  shall  be  fulfilled,  even  among  them, 
"  He  taketh  the  wise  in  their  own  craftiness."  But,  wo 
unto  liim  that  hath  stumbled  at  the  living  appearance  of 
God's  precious  Truth  in  this  our  day,  and  in  his  wisdom 
hath  been  exalted  above  that,  which  he  should  have  fallen 
down  before !  O  that  none  of  you,  (whom  I  have  dearly 
loved,  and  still  love,  and  whom  I  have  truly  sought  in  the 
Lord,  and  still  seek,)  ever  prove  sad  examples  and  spec- 
tacles of  what  I  now  write,  in  a  living,  feeling  sense !  O 
that  that,  which  hath  mourned  and  is  opjiressed  among 
you,  might  live  and  rise  up  in  the  power  of  life,  over  that 
which  hath  grieved  and  oppresseth  it !  for,  of  a  truth,  I 
feel  among  you  a  wisdom  and  knowledge,  which  is  not  of 
the  seed,  but  oppresseth  it.  O  what  plainness  of  speech 
doth  the  Lord  give  me  towards  you !  indeed,  I  am  melted 
in  concern  for  you  ;  and,  in  the  strength  of  that  love  which 
searches  into  your  bosoms,  desire,  that  the  abominable 
thing  among  you  might  be  discovered  and  purged  out,  and 
that  which  is  indeed  of  God  might  spring  up,  live,  and 
flourish  among  you. 

A  second  thing,  wherein  professors  grievously  mistake, 
is,  about  praying  in  the  name  of  Christ ;  in  which  name,  he 
that  asketh,  receiveth  ;  and,  out  of  which,  there  is  no  right 
asking  of  the  Father.  They  think,  that  praying  in  the 
name  of  Christ,  consists  in  using  some  outward  words,  as, 
"  Do  this  for  thy  Son's  sake,"  or,  "  We  beg  of  thee  in 
Christ's  name ;  "  whereas,  that  in  the  heart,  which  knoweth 
not  the  Father,  may  use  such  words ;  and  that  which  is 
taught  of  the  Father  to  pray,  and  prayeth  in  the  Son,  may 
not  be  led  to  use  those  words.  The  name,  wherein  the 
asking  and  acceptance  is,  is  living ;  and  he  that  prayeth 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  253 


in  the  motion  of  the  Spirit,  and  in  the  power  and  virtue 
of  the  Sou's  life,  he  prayeth  hi  the  name,  and  his  voice  is 
owned  of  the  Father  ;  and  not  the  other,  who  hath  learned 
in  his  own  will,  time,  and  spirit,  to  use  those  words  rela- 
tive to  the  Son. 

Another  thing,  wherein  professors  exceedingly  err  and 
mistake,  is,  about  the  applying  of  Christ's  righteousness, 
which  is  only  rightly  done  in  the  Spirit,  where  the  appli- 
cation hath  its  true  virtue.  But,  man's  misapplication 
hath  no  virtue  ;  for,  notwithstanding  that,  his  sins  remain  ; 
and  so,  the  comfort,  hope,  and  joy  in  his  heart,  that  his 
sins  are  pardoned,  is  only  a  pleasing  dream,  which  will 
deceive  him  when  he  awakes,  and  finds  his  sins  not  blotted 
out  by  God,  but  only  in  his  own  apprehension. 

Ah,  Friends !  that  ye  might  travel  into  Truth,  and 
meet  with  the  unerring  substance  of  things,  that  ye  might 
live  and  not  die ;  and  then,  ye  will  see,  how  man  hath 
erred  and  errs, —  yea,  even  the  man  in  you;  and  that  the 
seed  only,  and  they  that  are  born  of  the  seed,  know  the 
living  Truth,  and  walk  in  the  living  path,  where  there  is 
no  error,  no  deceit,  but  a  perfect  preservation  out  of  them. 
There,  it  is  my  desire  to  meet  and  embrace  you,  in  the 
dear  bowels  of  love,  where  we  may  unite  and  know  one 
another,  in  the  spiritual  birth  and  life,  inseparably,  for- 
ever; if  we  daily  mourn  after,  and  faithfully  wait  upon, 
the  true  Guide  and  leader  thereunto. 

I  remain  your  imprisoned  Friend,  according  to  the  wis- 
dom of  God,  and  in  his  pure  content  and  fear ;  though  the 
wisdom  of  man  might  easily  have  avoided  these  bonds. 

I.  P, 

Aylesbury  Gaol, 
22n(l  of  Eighth  Month,  1665. 
22 


254      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


LETTER  XCVI. 

Hints  on  steadfastness  in  the  Truth  and  its  Testimony;  on  Forsak- 
ing Assemblies  for  Divine  Worship,  and  on  Slighting  Gospel 
Ministers. 

To  Thomas  and  Ann  Mudd. 

Dear  Friends, —  Of  whose  love  to  me,  I  have  been 
and  am  sensible,  and  to  whom  I  bear  true  love. 

When  I  was  last  at  Rickmausworth,  it  was  on  my  heart 
to  visit  you  ;  and,  while  I  was  there  with  you,  true  and 
living  breathings  did  spring  up  in  my  heart  to  the  Lord 
for  you.  Since,  I  have  often  thought  of  you,  and  in  my 
desires  have  wished  well  concerning  you,  as  concerning  ray 
own  soul. 

Your  days  here  cannot  be  long  ;  and  what  ye  sow  here, 
ye  must  reap,  when  ye  go  out  of  this  world.  O  that  ye 
may  now  so  sow  to  the  Spirit  of  God,  as  that  ye  may  then 
reap  of  him  life  everlasting ! 

Last  first  day,  my  wife  had  a  letter  of  George  Fox's 
sent  her,  which  I  heard  read  that  night.  In  the  reading 
of  it,  I  had  many  thoughts  resi^ecting  you,  and  a  desire 
that  ye  might  sincerely  and  uprightly,  without  prejudice, 
peruse  it ;  which  I  sent  unto  you,  the  next  day,  for  that 
end. 

Now,  this  morning,  ye  were  upon  my  heart ;  and  two 
or  three  things  rose  up  in  me  in  reference  to  you  as  very 
necessary  for  you,  that  ye  may  be  safe,  and  that  it  may  go 
well  with  you  forever. 

One  was,  that  ye  keep  steadfast  in  that  holy  testimony 
of  Truth,  which  was  given  forth  among  us  at  the  begin- 
ning. For,  this  Truth  is  the  same,  and  the  testimony  of 
it  doth  not  vary  or  pass  away,  but  shall  last  throughout 
ages  and  generations,  to  redeem  all  that  receive  it  and 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  255 


are  faithful  to  it.  The  testimony  was,  to  draw  from  out- 
ward dead  knowledge,  and  out  of  dead  practices  and  wor- 
ships, after  men's  own  conceivings,  into  an  inward  princi- 
ple, and  into  worship  in  spirit  and  truth,  both  inwardly 
in  the  heart,  and  outwardly  in  the  assemblies  of  God's 
gathering. 

The  second  was,  that  we  keep  in  the  sense,  esteem,  and 
sanctified  use  of  those  holy  instruments,  which  God  hath 
made  choice  of,  both  to  gather  and  build  up  his  called 
and  chosen  ones.  It  was  never  well  with  Israel,  when 
they  slighted  Moses,  (though  they  many  times  had  excep- 
tions against  him  ;)  nor  when  they  despised  the  projihets, 
whom  God  sent  afterwards,  (though  they  were  often  pre- 
judiced against  them  also;)  nor  Avas  it  well  with  any  of 
the  churches,  when,  by  the  subtlety  and  seeming  simplic- 
ity of  those  that  endeavoured  to  betray  them,  or  by  any 
other  means,  they  were  drawn  to  think  meanly  of  any  of 
the  apostles  or  ministers  of  Christ,  in  their  day.  And  the 
Lord,  who  preserved  Moses  in  his  day,  and  the  prophets 
in  their  day,  and  the  apostles  and  holy  ministers  of  Truth 
in  the  first  promulgation  of  the  gospel,  is  the  same  God 
still ;  and  doth,  and  will  preserve  those,  whom  he  hath  in 
this  age  sent  forth  to  publish  his  everlasting  gospel,  and  to 
gather  his  lambs  and  scattered  sheep  into  holy  gatherings 
and  assemblies. 

The  third  was,  that  ye  be  daily  exercised,  guided,  and 
your  hearts  opened  and  quickened,  by  the  principle  and 
Spirit  of  Truth ;  that  so,  ye  may  know  what  it  is,  to  walk 
with  the  Lord,  and  to  feel  the  i)ower  of  the  Lord,  and 
enjoy  the  presence  of  the  Lord;  and  be  led  by  him  out  of, 
and  away  from,  the  mysterious  workings  of  the  power  and 
spirit  of  darkness,  inwardly.  For  if,  through  grievous 
mistake,  ye  let  this  into  your  minds  and  spirits,  instead 
of  the  Spirit  of  Truth,  ye  must  needs  call  darkness  light, 
and  light  darkness ;  truth  eiTor,  and  error  truth  ;  and  so 


256      LETTERS  OF  ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


•will  err  from  that,  which  is  indeed  the  way,  into  some- 
what, which  in  God's  sight  is  not  so.  For,  there  is  a 
spirit  of  delusion,  as  well  as  of  truth ;  this  works  in  the 
heart  as  a  minister  of  righteousness,  in  a  seeming  light, 
and,  warming  the  heart  with  a  wrong  fire,  brings  it  into  a 
wrong  bed  of  rest,  and  administers  to  it  a  wrong  peace, 
hope,  and  joy ;  setting  up  there  a  wrong  sense,  belief,  and 
judgment  concerning  itself  and  others.  This  leads  to 
separate  from  them  that  are  true,  and  joins  to  them  that 
are  false ;  draws  from  the  assemblies  and  worships  of 
God's  gathering,  and  begets  prejudices  against  and  hard 
thoughts  of  those,  who  are  owned  by  the  Lord,  and  are 
kept  in  their  habitation  by  him,  who'  dwells  in  them,  and 
they  in  him. 

O  my  Friends !  the  Lord  give  you  the  true  discerning 
of  this  spirit,  and  of  his  own  Spirit ;  and  deliver  you  out 
of  the  snare  of  the  enemy,  and  open  that  eye  in  you,  to 
which  he  gives  the  sight  of  what  is,  and  who  are  of  him, 
and  what  is,  and  who  are  not  of  him :  that  ye  may  be  dis- 
joined from  all  that  is  not  of  God,  and  joined  to  the  Lord, 
abiding  and  walking  in  him ;  and  may  know,  that  God 
doth  not  cast  off  his  holy  people,  gatherings,  and  assemblies, 
but  constantly  appears  in  the  midst  of  such  as  truly  and 
humbly  wait  for  him  ;  glory  be  to  his  name  ! 

God  knoweth  in  what  sense,  in  what  understanding,  in 
what  love,  in  what  desire,  in  what  fear,  in  what  knowledge 
from  him,  I  write  this  to  you ;  who  am  a  true  Friend  to 
you  both,  (in  true  and  faithful  love,  as  in  God's  sight,) 
and  an  hearty  desirer  of  your  everlasting  happiness. 

LP. 

19tli  of  Twelfth  Month,  1672. 


LETTERS  OP  ISAAC  PENINGTON.  257 


LETTER  XCVIL 

On  hating  Reproof. 
To  Catherine  Poedage  and  anothee. 

Friends,  —  Take  heed  of  that  spirit,  which  will  be  stir- 
ring up  hard  thoughts  in  you  of  God  and  his  way,  and  the 
faithful  testimony  thereof,  when,  in  the  tender  mercy  of 
the  Lord,  it  is  given  forth  to  you ;  for,  that  spirit  is  your 
soul's  enemy.  Wait,  therefore,  to  know  in  yourselves  that 
which  is  to  stumble,  and  fall,  and  be  snared,  and  broken, 
and  taken  ;  for,  it  cannot  receive  God's  Truth. 

And,  take  care  of  that  spirit  which  hateth  reproof ;  for, 
the  reproofs  of  instruction  are  the  ways  of  life,  and,  whom 
the  Lord  loves,  he  rebukes  and  chastens.  And  truly, 
Friends,  this  is  God's  Truth  in  my  heart  to  you  both,  this 
morning  :  —  the  ministration  of  conviction  and  reproof,  is 
that  which  ye  are  to  come  under :  and,  it  is  your  proper 
state  to  wait  daily,  not  for  comforts,  not  for  refreshments, 
(that  day  is  to  come  afterwards,)  but,  for  convictions  and 
reproofs  of  that  in  you,  which  is  contrary  to  God.  And,, 
if  ye  walk  faithfully  in  this  dispensation,  ye  shall  in  due 
time  know  another,  when  the  work  of  this  is  over ;  for 
really.  Friends,  ye  must  be  emptied  of  that  wherewith  ye 
are  now  filled,  before  ye  can  be  filled  with  that  which  is 
true  and  living.  If  I  should  say  one  word  to  you,  could 
ye  bear  it  ?  and  yet  this  counsel  is  with  me  towards  you : 
O !  wait  for,  receive,  embrace,  be  glad  of  that  which  re- 
proves you,  and  be  afraid  of  that  which  comforts  you  in 
your  present  state ;  for,  ye  are  to  come  through  the  trou- 
ble, judgment,  breaking  down,  plucking  up,  consuming, 
and  burning  of  the  contrary  nature  and  spirit,  which  yet 
deceives  you  ;  and  to  witness  all  the  knowledge,  profession, 
practices,  beliefs,  hopes,  that  are  founded  thei-e,  and  spring 
22*  R 


258      LETTERS   OP   ISAAC  PENINGTOK. 


up  theuce,  coufomidcd  and  destroyed,  before  ye  can  pos- 
sibly come  into  the  true  ministration  of  life  and  power. 
(Ye  must  die  to  your  own  wisdom,  if  ever  ye  will  be  born 
of,  and  walk  in  tbe  wisdom  of  God.)  Yea,  ye  must  die  to 
tliat  part,  that  is  so  active  from  and  in  that  wisdom,  and 
which  wo<ild  be  labouring  in  the  very  fire  for  what  is  but 
vanity ;  if  ye  will  receive  the  knowledge,  which  springs 
out  of  truth  and  life  itself,  which  indeed  flows  over,  and 
covers  the  earth  of  God's  heritage,  as  the  waters  cover  the 
sea,  in  this  day  of  his  great  goodness  and  plentiful  redemp- 
tion. 

When  we  were  in  desolation  and  great  distress,  indeed, 
unutterable,  we  had  none  of  these  helps  and  instructions, 
which  abound  towards  you.  O  what  a  day  of  mercy  have 
you  met  with  ?  and  how  great  will  be  your  condemnation, 
if  ye  become  as  deaf  adders  to  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord,  and 
so  miss  of  his  salvation.  And,  if  ye  will  ever  know  the 
Sjjirit  of  the  Lord,  ye  must  meet  with  him,  as  a  searcher 
and  reprover,  in  your  own  hearts  ;  yea,  the  merciful  God 
must  ye  meet  with,  as  a  severe  Judge,  and  unquenchable, 
consuming  fire  against  that  spirit,  wisdom,  knowledge,  and 
faith  in  youj  which  is  but  of  a  chaffy  nature.  Truly, 
Friends,  it  is  far  better  to  be  stripped  of  it,  than  to  find 
any  rest  or  pleasure  in  it. 

O  hear  the  voice  of  the  living  God  !  His  word  is  nigh, 
uigh  you  ;  and  his  word  hath  a  voice  that  speaks.  O  that 
the  ear  that  can  hear,  might  be  opened  in  you !  and  the 
ear  stopped,  which  will  not,  cannot  hear  the  voice  of  the 
Shepherd  I  O  wait  for  the  Reprover  !  and  turn  the  ear  to 
him,  letting  in  his  reproofs,  and  turning  from  what  he  re- 
proves for,  without  murmuring,  without  disputing  ;  and  the 
exercise  of  that  ear,  will  open  it  more  an<l  more :  so  that, 
ye  will  come  to  know  the  voice  more  and  more;  which, 
though  it  prove  very  bitter  to  that  which  is  of  a  contrary 
nature,  and  would  not  hear  the  voice,  yet  will  be  sweet, 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENIKGTON. 


259 


yea,  sweeter  and  sweeter  daily,  to  the  true  birth.  And 
here,  ye  will  witness  true  death  to  that  which  is  to  die; 
and  true  life,  ministered  by  Him  who  lives  forever,  to  that 
which  is  to  live. 

But,  while  ye  are  striving  to  comprehend,  and  to  begin 
obedience  after  that  wisdom,  ye  will  find  the  power,  which 
opens  to  others,  shutting  you  out  from  that  which  is  true; 
and  yourselves  liable  to  be  tempted,  and  persuaded  to 
esteem  and  take  up  that  which  is  false,  instead  of  that 
which  is  true. 

"What  spirit  is  that  in  you,  which  prejudices  your  hearts 
'jiwardly  against,  and  makes  you  so  apt  to  cry  out  [be- 
jause]  of  destroying  ?  Is  it  not  that  spirit,  which  would 
save  alive  what  is  to  be  destroyed  in  you,  that  your  souls 
might  live  in  and  to  God  !  The  Lord  discover  to  you, 
how  the  enemy  works  in  you,  against  the  life  and  salva- 
tion of  your  souls ;  for  he  knows  what  will  be  the  issue 
of  this  destroying  work,  if  it  have  its  thorough  course  and 
effect  upon  you ;  and  that  none  of  his  kingdom  will  be 
left  standing  in  you.  I.  P. 

7th  of  Seventh  Month,  1671. 


LETTER  XCVIIL 

Of  "Fleshly  Wisdom." 

To  Francis  Pordage. 

Friend, —  Thei-e  is  a  mind,  which  can  never  know  nor 
receive  the  things  of  God's  kingdom  ;  and  yet,  this  mind 
is  very  busy  in  searching  and  inquiring  after  them. 

The  Scribes  and  Pharisees  were  still  questioning  Christ, 
and  desiring  satisfaction  about  the  kingdom,  and  about 
his  doctrine  and  miracles,  and  the  practice  of  his  disciples, 


260      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENIXGTOJf. 


but  could  uever  receive  satisfaction ;  yet,  the  disciples 
themselves  were  many  times  afraid  to  ask  Christ  questions, 
there  being  a  dread  of  God  upon  their  spirits,  and  a  limit 
to  the  knowing  and  inquiring  part  in  them  ;  for  indeed, 
the  true  birth  learns  under  the  yoke. 

This,  therefore,  is  precious ;  to  come  to  feel  somewhat 
to  limit  that  mind,  which  is  forward  and  inquisitive  out 
of  the  true  nature  and  sense,  and  to  receive  the  yoke,  and  to 
be  limited  by  it  and  famished  ;  for  famine,  not  food  of  life, 
is  appointed  for  that  mind  and  birth.  It  is  written,  "  I 
will  destroy  the  wisdom  of  the  wise,  and  bring  to  nothing 
the  understanding  of  the  prudent."  Now,  this  is  precious 
and  greatly  needful :  for  a  man  to  know,  and  discern,  and 
■watch  against  that  wisdom  and  understanding  in  himself, 
which  God  will  destroy  and  bring  to  nothing ;  for,  to  be 
sure,  while  he  is  learning  and  striving  to  know  with  that, 
God  will  never  teach  him,  but  rather  hide  the  mystery  of 
life  and  salvation  from  him.  And  what  is  all  man's 
knowledge  worth,  that  he  learns  of  himself  without  God's 
teaching ;  and  which  he  receives  into  that  understanding, 
which  is  to  perish  and  be  destroyed  ?  In  the  new  under- 
standing, God  sets  up  the  true  light ;  but,  in  the  other 
understanding,  are  false  lights  set  up,  which  do  not  give 
a  true  distinction  of  good  and  evil,  but  they  call  good  evil, 
and  evil  good,  and  put  darkness  for  light,  and  light  for 
darkness,  and  cannot  do  otherwise ;  because,  the  light  in 
them  is  darkness,  it  not  being  the  gift  of  grace  whereby 
they  see  and  judge,  but  a  light  of  their  own  forming, 
according  to  their  own  comprehension  of  things,  in  the 
dark  and  fallen  understanding. 

Now,  the  Lord  hath  taught  us  the  difference  between 
all  these  lights,  and  the  light  of  his  grace,  which  purely 
teacheth,  liviugly  teacheth,  not  in  the  reasonings  of  the 
mind,  but  in  the  evidence  and  demonstration  of  God's 
Spirit  in  the  soul  and  conscience.    When  we  came  to  see 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTOX.  261 


in  this  liglit,  we  found,  that  that  which  we  had  called 
good,  according  to  our  former  apprehension  of  things,  was 
not  so  in  the  true  balance ;  and  what  we  thought  had 
jileased  God,  was  abominable  in  his  eyes.  And,  truly,  all 
that  are  not  come  to  this  light,  they  offer  that  which  is 
abominable  to  God,  and  yet  think  it  pleaseth  him  ;  and 
what  a  gross  and  dangerous  mistake  is  this !  indeed,  all 
are  no  better  than  will-deeds,  which  are  done  out  of  the 
light,  life,  virtue,  and  power  of  God's  Spirit.  For,  the 
root  must  be  good,  or  the  fruit  cannot  be  good.  The 
mind  must  be  renewed,  or  the  knowledge  is  but  old,  dead, 
literal,  and  fleshly ;  such  as  the  fleshly  understanding 
comprehends  and  receives,  which  can  neither  know  nor 
receive  what  is  spiritual. 

Truly,  the  Lord  hath  led  us  a  great  way  in  our  journey, 
nd  done  great  things  inwardly  for  and  in  our  spirits ; 
yet,  if  we  were  not  kept  under  the  yoke,  but  that  part  in 
us  had  liberty  to  know,  and  live,  and  act,  and  worship, 
we  should  yet  perish,  and  be  cut  off  from  the  land  of  the 
living.  I.  P. 


LETTER  XCIX. 

Advice  on  Churcli  Discipline. 

To  THE  Women  Friends  that  meet  at  Armscot  in 
Worcestershire. 

Dear  Friends, —  In  your  meetings  together  to  do  ser- 
vice for  the  Lord,  be  every  one  of  you  very  careful  and 
diligent  in  watching  to  his  power,  that  ye  may  have  the 
sensible,  living  feeling  of  it,  each  of  you  in  your  own 
hearts,  and  in  the  hearts  one  of  another ;  and  that  ye  may 


262      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


keep  within  the  limits  of  it,  and  not  think,  or  speak,  or 
act  beyond  it.  And  know,  O!  wait  more  and  more  to 
know,  how  to  keep  that  silence,  which  is  of  the  power: 
that,  in  every  one  of  you,  what  the  power  would  have 
silent,  may  be  silent.  O !  take  heed  of  the  forwardness 
of  the  flesh,  the  wisdom  of  the  flesh,  the  will  of  the  flesh, 
the  talkativeness  of  the  flesh ;  keep  them  back,  O !  let 
them  forever  be  kept  back  in  every  one  of  you,  by  the 
presence  and  virtue  of  the  power. 

The  power  is  the  authority  and  blessing  of  your  meet- 
ings, and  therein  lies  your  ability  to  perform  what  God 
requires  ;  be  sure  ye  have  it  with  you.  Keep  back  to  the 
life,  keep  low  in  the  holy  fear,  and  ye  shall  not  miss  of  it. 
You  will  find  it  easy  to  transgress,  easj'  to  set  up  self,  easy 
to  run  into  sudden  apprehensions  about  things,  and  one 
to  be  of  this  mind  and  another  of  that ;  but,  feel  the 
power  to  keep  down  all  this,  and  to  keep  you  out  of  all 
this ;  every  one  watching  to  the  life,  when  and  where  it 
will  arise  to  help  you,  and  that  ye  may  be  sensible  of  it 
when  it  doth  arise,  and  not  in  a  wrong  wisdom  opjiose  it, 
but  be  one  with  it.  And  thus,  if  any  thing  should  arise 
from  the  wrong  wisdom  in  any,  ye  may  be  sensible  of  it, 
not  defiled  or  entangled  with  it,  but  abiding  in  that  which 
sees  through  it  and  judges  it ;  that  so,  life  may  reign  in 
your  hearts  and  in  your  meetings,  above  that  which  will 
be  forward,  and  perking  over  the  life,  if  ye  be  not  very 
watchful. 

So,  the  Lord  God  of  my  life  be  with  you,  and  season 
your  hearts  with  his  grace  and  Truth,  and  daily  keep  you 
in  the  savour  thereof ;  that  ye  may  be  blessed  by  him,  and 
a  blessing  in  his  hands ;  all  that  is  evil  and  contrary  to 
Truth,  being  kept  down  in  your  own  hearts,  ye  will  be  fit 
to  keep  down  evil  in  the  minds  and  hearts  of  others  ;  and, 
if  any  thing  be  unsavoury  anywhere,  it  will  be  searched 
into,  judged,  cast  out,  and  the  recovery  of  the  soul  which 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTON.  263 


hath  let  it  in,  sought,  that,  if  possible,  it  may  be  restored  ; 
and  tlien,  ye  will  know  the  joy  of  seeking  out  and  bring- 
ing back  the  lost  sheep.  And,  be  tender  to  others,  in  true 
compassion,  as  ye  would  be  tendered  by  others,  if  ye  were 
in  their  conditions. 

There  is  that  near  you,  which  will  guide  you  ;  O  !  wait 
for  it,  and  be  sure  ye  keep  to  it ;  that,  being  innocent  and 
faithful,  in  following  the  Lord  in  the  leadings  of  his  power, 
his  power  may  plead  your  cause  in  the  hearts  of  all  his 
tender  people  hereabouts  :  and  they  may  see  and  acknowl- 
edge, that  your  meetings  are  of  God, —  that  ye  are  guided 
by  him  into  that  way  of  service,  in  his  holy  fear,  in  which 
he  himself  is  with  you,  and  by  the  movings  of  his  Holy 
Spirit  in  your  hearts,  hath  engaged  you.  Be  not  hasty, 
either  in  conceiving  any  thing  in  your  minds,  or  in  speak- 
ing it  forth,  or  in  any  thing  ye  are  to  do ;  but,  feel  him 
by  his  Spirit  and  life  going  along  with  you,  and  leading 
you  into  what  he  would  have  any  of  you,  or  every  one  of 
you  do.  If  ye  be  in  the  true  feeling  sense  of  what  the 
Lord  your  God  would  have  done,  and  join  with  what  is  of 
God,  as  it  riseth  in  any,  or  against  any  thing  that  is  not  ^ 
of  God,  as  it  is  made  manifest  among  you ;  ye  are  all  in 
your  places  and  proper  services,  obeying  the  blessed  will, 
and  doing  the  blessed  work,  of  the  Lord  your  God. 

I  had  somewhat  u])on  me  yesterday  to  you,  but  my 
weakness  was  great.  Tliis  morning,  this  lay  as  a  weight 
upon  ray  spirit  to  lay  upon  yours;  may  the  weight  of  it 
come  upon  you,  to  weigh  down  whatever  is  light  or  chaffy 
•  in  any  of  you,  that  tiie  seed  of  life  may  come  up  over  it, 
and  ye  may  be  weighty  before  the  Lord,  in  the  weighty 
seed  of  life.  The  Lord  make  you  rightly  serviceable  to 
him,  and  truly  glorious  in  your  meetings,  and  in  your 
several  places.  Ye  will  find  a  great  work  to  keep  one 
part  down,  that  that  which  is  pure  and  living  of  God  may 


264      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


come  up  in  you,  and  ye  act  only  in  it,  not  exceeding  the 
limits  of  it.  L  P. 

Written  at  John  Hawfoed's, 
7th  of  Seventh  Month,  1678._ 


LETTER  C. 

*  An  Expostulation  and  Warning. 

To  THE  Eael  of  Beidgewater.* 

Friend, —  It  is  the  desire  of  my  heart  to  walk  with 
God,  in  the  true  fear  of  his  name,  and  in  true  love  and 
good  will  to  all  men,  all  my  days  here  upon  the  earth. 
For  this  end,  I  wait  upon  God  night  and  day,  to  know  his 
will,  and  to  receive  certain  instruction  from  him,  concern- 
ing what  is  acceptable  in  his  sight.  After  he  hath  in  any 
thing  made  manifest  his  pleasure,  I  wait  upon  him  for 
strength  to  perform  it ;  and  when  he  hath  wrought  it  by 
me,  my  soul  blesseth  him  therefore.  If  this  be  a  right 
course,  I  am  not  to  be  condemned  herein  :  if  it  be  not,  and 
thou  kuowest  better,  show  me,  in  love,  meekness,  and  ten- 
derness ;  as  I  would  be  willing  to  make  any  thing  known 
to  thee,  for  thy  good,  which  the  Lord  hath  shown  me. 

But,  this  I  am  fully  assured  of,  that  God  is  higher  than 
man :  and  that  his  will  and  laws  are  to  be  set  up,  and 
obeyed,  in  the  first  place ;  and  man's  only  in  the  second  ; 
and,  in  their  due  subordination  to  the  will  and  laws  of 
God. 

Now,  Friend,  apply  thyself  to  do  that  which  is  right 
and  noble,  and  that  which  is  truly  justifiable  in  God's 
sight ;  that  thou  mayest  give  a  comfortable  account  to 
hiin,  when  he  shall  call  thereunto.    That  which  thou  hast 


*See  the  Life  of  Isaac  Penington,  by  J.  G.  Bevan. 


LETTERS   OF  ISAAC  PEJiTIlSrGTON.  265 

done  to  me,  hath  not  made  me  thy  enemy ;  but,  .in  the 
midst  of  the  sense  of  it,  I  desire  thy  welfare,  and  that  thou 
mayest  so  carry  thyself  in  thy  place,  and  actions,  as  that 
thou  mayest  neither  provoke  God  against  thee  in  this 
world,  nor  in  the  world  to  come.  Hast  thou  not  yet 
afflicted  me  enough,  without  cause  ?  Wouldst  thou  have 
me  bow  to  thee  therein,  wherein  the  Lord  hath  not  given 
me  liberty?  If  I  should  give  thee  outward  titles  and 
honours,  might  I  not  do  thee  hurt  ?  O  come  down,  be  low 
in  thy  spirit  before  the  Lord !  honour  him  in  thy  heart 
and  ways,  and  wait  for  the  true  nobility  and  honour  from 
him.  Thou  hast  but  a  time  to  be  in  the  world,  and  then 
eternity  begins ;  and  what  thou  hast  sown  here,  thou  must 
then  reap.  O  that  thou  mightst  sow,  not  to  thy  own  will 
and  wisdom,  but  to  God's  Spirit ;  and  know  his  guidance, 
who  is  only  able  to  lead  man  aright.  Indeed,  thou 
shouldst  be  subject  in  thy  own  heart  to  that,  which  thou 
art  offended  at  in  others, —  even  that  in  the  inner  parts, 
whicli  testifies  for  God  and  against  the  thoughts,  ways,  and 
works  of  corrupt  man;  that  thou  mightst  feel  a  principle 
of  life  from  God,  and  good  fruit  brought  forth  from  that 
principle  to  him ;  and  that  the  evil  nature,  and  the  evil 
works  thereof,  might  be  cut  down  in  thee ;  that  thy  soul 
may  escape  the  wrath  and  misery,  which  attends  the  works 
and  workers  of  iniquity. 

'  I  have  sent  thee  this  enclosed,  in  love.  Read  it  in  fear 
and  humility,  lifting  up  thy  heart  to  the  Lord,  who  giveth 
understanding,  that  it  may  be  a  blessing  to  thee;  for,  in 
true  love  was  it  written,  and  is  of  a  healing  and  guiding 
nature.  I  have  formerly  written  to  thee  ;  but  my  way 
hath  been  so  barred  up,  that  I  have  not  found  access  easy ; 
and  how  or  whether  this  will  come  to  thy  hand,  I  know 
not ;  but,  this  I  truly  say  to  thee,  I  have  felt  the  Lamb's 
nature,  under  my  sufferings  from  thee,  whereunto  I  have 
given  thee  no  provocation,  neither  for  the  beginning  nor 
23 


266       LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


contiuuauce  of  them  ;  and  if  thou  canst,  bring  that  thing 
to  the  trial  of  the  witness  of  God  in  thy  heart,  that  will 
deal  truly  with  thee,  blaming  what  God  blames,  and  justi- 
fying what  he  justifieth.  And,  though  the  Lord  behold- 
eth,  and  will  plead  the  cause  of  his  innocent  ones,  (who 
the  more  helpless  they  are,  the  more  they  are  considered 
and  tendered  by  him,)  yet,  I  do  not  desire  that  thou 
shouldst  suffer,  either  from  God  or  man,  on  my  account; 
but,  that  thou  mightst  be  guided  to,  and  preserved  in,  that 
which  will  be  sweet  rest,  peace,  and  safety,  to  all  that  are 
sheltered  by  it,  in  the  troublous  and  stormy  hour;  in  which, 
the  Lord  will  distress  man,  and  make  him  feel  his  sin  and 
misery. 

This  is  the  sum  of  what  I  have  at  present  to  say ;  who 
have  written  this,  not  for  any  by-end,  but,  in  the  stirrings 
of  true  love  towards  thee ;  and  from  a  true  desire,  that 
thou  mightst  feel  the  power  of  God  forming  in  thy  heart 
aright  and  bringing  forth  the  fruits  of  righteousness  in 
thee;  —  that  thou  mightst  be  made  by  him  of  the  seed  of 
the  blessed,  and  inherit  the  blessing,  and  find  the  earthly 
nature  consumed,  and  brought  to  naught  in  thee.  For,  to 
[this  nature]  is  the  curse,  and  it  must  feel  the  curse,  as 
God  brings  forth  his  righteous  judgments  in  the  hearts, 
and  upon  the  heads  of  the  transgressors.  And,  knowing 
there  is  a  certain  day  of  God's  calling  transgressors  to 
account,  also  the  terribleness  of  his  wrath  and  consuming 
pleasure  in  that  day, —  I  warn  thee  in  tenderness,  and  in 
love  beseech  thee,  to  consider  thy  ways,  and  make  thy 
peace  with  him ;  that  thou  mayest  not  be  irrecoverably 
and  eternally  miserable;  but,  mayest  be  transformed  by 
his  life  and  nature,  and  sow  to  him  the  fruits  thereof,  that 
thou  mayest  reap,  and  receive  of  him  that  which  is  the 
soul's  joy. 

And,  Fi-iend,  know  this  assured  truth,  —  it  is  not  a  re- 
ligion of  man's  making  or  choosing,  (neither  the  Pope's 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


267 


nor  any  otlier  man's,)  but  only  that  wliicli  is  of  God,  which 
is  acceptable  to  Him  :  and,  what  will  become  of  that  man, 
whose  very  religion  and  worship  is  hateful  to  God  ?  Where 
will  he  stand,  or  what  account  will  he  be  able  to  give, 
when  he  apjjcars  before  him  ? 

Thou  hast  not  often  met  with  such  plain  dealing  as  this. 
These  things  very  nearly  concern  thee.  O !  wait  upon 
God  for  his  true  light,  that  thou  mayest  not  be  deceived 
about  them  ;  because  thy  loss  thereby,  will  be  so  great  and 
irreparable. 

I  am  thy  Friend  in  these  things,  and  have  written  as  a 
true  lover  and  desirer  of  the  welfare  of  thy  soul. 

I.  P. 

From  Aylesbury  Gaol, 
24th  of  Sixth  Montli,  1666. 


LETTER  CI. 

Faithful  dealing  between  Brethren  Recommended. 

Dear  Friend, —  I  have  heard  that  thou  hast  somewhat 
against  W.  R.,  whereupon  thou  forbearest  coming  to  meet- 
ings at  his  house  :  this  thou  oughtst  seriously  to  weigh  and 
consider ;  that  thy  path  and  walking  herein,  may  be  right 
and  straight  before  the  Lord.  Is  the  thing,  or  are  the 
things,  which  thou  hast  against  him,  fully  so,  as  thou  ap- 
prehendest?  Hast  thou  seen  evil  in  him,  or  to  break  forth 
from  him  ?  and  hast  thou  considered  him  therein,  and  dealt 
with  him,  as  if  it  had  been  thy  own  case?  Hast  thou 
pitied  him,  mourned  over  him,  cried  to  the  Lord  for  him, 
and  in  tender  love  and  meekness  of  spirit,  laid  tlie  thing 
before  him  ?  And,  if  he  hath  refused  to  hear  thee,  hast 
thou  tenderly  mentioned  it  to  others,  and  desired  them  to 


268       LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


go  Avith  thee  to  liim  ?  that,  what  is  evil  and  offensive  in 
him,  might  be  more  weightily  and  advantageously  laid 
before  him,  for  his  humbling,  and  for  his  recovery  unto 
that,  which  is  a  witness  and  strength  against  the  evil.  If 
thou  hast  i^roceeded  thus,  thou  hast  proceeded  tenderly 
and  orderl)',  according  to  the  law  of  brotherly  love ;  and 
God's  witness  in  thy  conscience  will  justify  thee  therein. 
But,  if  thou  hast  let  in  any  hardness  of  si)irit,  or  hard 
reasonings  against  him,  or  bard  resolutions  as  relating  to 
him,  the  witness  of  God  will  not  justify  thee  in  that. 

And  if,  at  any  time  hereafter,  thou  hast  anything  against 
others,  0  learn,  from  that  of  God  in  thee,  to  show  com- 
passion towards  them,  even  as  the  Lord  has  had  pity  on 
thee !  And  keep  to  his  witness  in  thy  heart.  Wait  to  feel 
the  seed,  and  to  keep  thy  dwelling  therein,  that  thou 
mayest  abide  in  the  peace  and  rest  tliereof,  and  not  depart 
out  of  thy  habitation,  out  of  the  sense  of  Truth  ;  for,  that 
will  let  in  temptation  upon  thee,  give  the  enemy  strength 
against  thee,  and  fill  thy  soul  with  anguish  and  perplexity. 

So,  the  Lord  God  of  infinite  tenderness  renew  his  mercy 
upon  thee,  and  keep  thee  in  that,  wherein  his  love,  life, 
rest,  joy,  peace,  and  unspeakable  comfort  of  his  Holy 
Spirit,  (which  keeps  the  mind  out  of  all  the  snares  and 
temptations  of  that  which  is  unholy,)  is  felt  and  witnessed, 
—  by  those,  who  are  taught  and  enabled  of  him,  to  abide 
and  dwell  in  that,  into  which  he  gathered  them, —  and  in 
which  he  hath  pleased  to  appear  unto  them. 

This  is,  in  the  love  and  tender  goodness  of  the  Lord  to 
thee,  from  thy  Friend  in  the  Truth,  and  for  the  Truth's 
sake.  I.  P. 

13th  of  Tenth  Month,  1667. 


LETTEES   OF  ISAAC  PENINGTON.  269 


.  LETTER  CII. 

On  Dwelling  with  the  Lowly  Seed  of  Life  in  all  Conditions. 
To  M.  HiORKS. 

Dear  Friend, —  I  received  two  letters  from  thee  lately, 
■whereby  the  seuse  is  revived  in  me  of  thy  great  love  to 
me,  and  the  Lord's  great  goodness  to  thee,  in  administer- 
ing that  which  rejoiceth  and  refresheth  thee.  ^ 

Now,  this  advice  ariseth  in  my  heart.  O!  keep  cool 
and  low  before  the  Lord,  that  the  seed,  the  pure,  living 
seed,  may  spring  more  and  more  in  thee,  and  thy  heart  be 
united  more  and  more  to  the  Lord  therein.  Coolness  of 
spirit  is  a  precious  frame ;  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  most 
shines  therein, —  in  its  own  lustre  and  brightness;  and, 
when  the  soul  is  low  before  the  Lord,  it  is  still  near  the 
seed,  and  preciously  (in  its  life)  one  with  the  seed.  And, 
when  the  seed  riseth,  thou  shalt  have  liberty  in  the  Lord 
to  rise  with  it ;  only,  take  heed  of  that  part,  which  will  be 
outrunning  it,  and  getting  above  it,  and  so,  not  ready  to 
descend  again,  and  keep  low  in  the  deeps  with  it. 

O  ray  Friend !  I  have  a  sense,  that  this  hath  been  the 
error  of  that  people,  thou  hast  formerly  walked  with :  and 
I  observe  in  tliy  spirit  yet  a  liability  thereto ;  which  the 
Lord  give  thee  to  watch  against,  that  thou  mayest  come 
to  a  pure  observation  and  discerning  of  the  everlasting, 
unchangeable  seed  in  thy  own  heart,  and  mayest  daily  feel 
thy  mind  bowed  down  and  worship  in  it,  becoming  wholly 
leavened  into  it,  and  perfectly  changed  and  preserved 
by  it. 

POSTSCRIPT. 

We  are  here  but  a  while  in  this  world,  for  the  Lord  to 
make  use  of  us,  and  serve  himself  by  us ;  and  so,  by  hia 
23* 


270      LETTEES  OF  ISAAC  PEKINGTON. 


ordering  of  us,  to  fit  us  for  the  crown  of  glory,  which  he 
■will  give  us  fully  to  wear  in  the  other  world.  Now,  feel 
the  child's  nature,  which  chooseth  nothing,  but  desires  the 
fulfilling  of  the  Father's  will  in  it.  I  cannot  desire  to 
enjoy  any  thing,  (saith  the  nature  of  the  true  birth,)  but 
as  the  Father,  of  himself,  pleaseth  to  give  me  to  enjoy. 
There  is  a  time  to  want,  as  well  as  to  abound,  while  we 
are  in  this  world.  And  the  times  of  wanting,  as  well  as 
abounding,  are  greatly  advantageous  to  us.  How  should 
faith,  love,  patience,  meekness,  and  the  excellency  and 
sufiiciency  of  God's  grace  shine,  but  by,  in,  and  through 
the  many  exercises  and  varieties  of  conditions,  wherewith 
the  Lord  visiteth  his  ?  Yea,  the  greatest  in  the  life,  power, 
and  glory  of  the  Lord,  have  the  greatest  trials  and  exer- 
cises, which  is  to  their  advantage,  as  also  for  the  good  and 
benefit  of  others,  and  to  the  great  honour  and  glory  of  the 
Lord.  O  !  at  all  times,  and  in  all  conditions,  take  heed 
of  a  will,  take  heed  of  a  wisdom,  above  the  seed's  will, 
and  above  the  seed's  wisdom. 

Let  the  Lord  alone  be  all  in  thee,  and  make  thee  every 
day  what  he  pleaseth  ;  and,  in  due  time,  thou  shalt  know 
a  life, —  even  the  seed's  life,  the  Son's  life, —  whom  all  the 
angels  are  to  worship, —  and  the  mystery  of  whose  life,  the 
angels  desire  to  look  into,  as  it  is  revealed  and  brought 
forth  !  So,  be  still  and  quiet,  and  silent  before  the  Lord ; 
not  putting  up  any  request  to  the  Father,  nor  cherishing 
any  desire  in  thee,  but  in  the  seed's  lowly  nature  and 
purely  springing  life ;  and  the  Lord  give  thee  the  clear 
discerning,  in  the  lowly  seed,  of  all  that  springs  and  arises 
in  thy  heart. 

Thou  didst  read  precious  things  of  the  seed,  when  thou 
wast  here,  written  outwardly ;  O  that  thou  mighlst  read 
the  same  things,  written  inwardly  in  thy  own  heart ;  which 
that  thou  mayest  do,  become  as  a  weaned  child,  not  exer- 
cising thyself  in  things,  too  high  or  too  wonderful  for 


LETTERS   OF  ISAAC  PEKIKGTON.  271 


thee.  Every  secret  thing,  every  spiritual  mystery,  but 
what  God  opens  to  thee,  is  too  high  and  wonderful  for 
thee.  And,  if  the  Lord  at  any  time  open  to  thee  deep 
mysteries ;  fear  before  the  Lord  ;  and  go  no  further  into 
them,  than  the  Lord  leads  thee.  The  error  is,  stiil,  in  the 
comprehending,  knowing  miud,  but  never  in  the  lowly, 
weighty  seed  of  life;  —  whither  the  Lord  God  of  my  life 
more  and  more  lead  thee,  and  counsel  thee  to  take  up  thy 
dwelling-place  there,  daily  instructing  thee  so  to  do.  For 
the  greatest,  as  well  as  the  least,  must  be  daily  taught  of 
the  Lord,  both  in  ascending  and  descending,  or  they  will 
miss  their  way  ;  yea,  they  must  be  daily  taught  of  him  to 
be  silent  before  him,  and  know  [what  it  is]  to  be  still  in 
him,  or  they  will  be  apt  to  miss  in  either. 

This  from  thy  Friend,  I.  P. 

Amersham,  "Woodside, 
4th  of  Fifth  Month,  1679. 


LETTEK  GUI. 

On  Prejudices  against  Anointed  Ministers. 
I  To  HIS  Brother. 

Dear  Brother, — This  morning,  as  I  was  going  out 
to  walk,  somewhat  sprang  up  in  my  heart  freshly  and 
livingly  to  thee ;  whereupon,  I  consulted  not,  but  im- 
mediately turned  back  so  to  do.  Now,  if  the  Lord  make 
it  useful  to  thee,  thou  wilt  have  cause  to  bless  his  name ; 
and  so  shall  I  also,  who  heartily  desire  the  life  and  welfare 
of  thy  soul  in  the  living  God,  and  thy  avoiding  all  such 
snares  as  the  enemy  lays  to  beti-ay,  and  to  keep  it  in  death 
and  bondage.    The  thing  that  rose  up  in  me,  was  this. 

God  gave  some  apostles,  some  prophets,  &c.,  for  the 


272      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PEJTINGTOIT. 


work  of  the  ministry,  for  the  building  up  of  the  body,  for 
the  perfecting  of  the  saints.  This  was  God's  gift,  in  mercy 
and  love,  to  them  in  that  day,  of  which  gift  they  were  to 
walk  worthy,  and  to  be  thankful  for  it. 

And,  in  these  days,  the  Lord  hath  given  gifts  to  some 
for  this  work,  which  the  body  hath  need  of ;  and  the  body 
is  to  wait  on  the  Lord  in  the  use  of  his  gift,  in  fear  and 
humility.  For,  those  that  gather  the  soul  to  the  Lord, 
they  also  are  appointed  to  watch  over  the  soul,  in  the 
same  power  and  authority  that  gathered.  Now,  that  which 
is  of  God  in  any  heart,  being  heeded,  will  teach  to  make 
use  of  the  gift  and  ministry  which  is  of  Hira ;  and  it  can- 
not be  despised,  but  God  is  despised ;  nor  can  it  be  neg- 
lected, without  loss  and  danger  to  the  soul  that  neglects 
it.  For  God  is  wise,  and  his  ordinances,  his  ministry,  his 
gifts  are  weighty,  and  his  blessings  go  along  with  them. 
Who  have  been  gathered  to  him  in  these  days,  but  by  his 
ministry  which  he  hath  appointed  and  sent  to  gather?  and 
who  have  been  preserved,  but  those  who  have  waited  on 
the  Lord,  and  been  subject  to  his  Spirit  in  the  same  minis- 
try which  hath  gathei-ed  ?  Mark,  Brother,  in  every  age, 
God's  ministers  have  been  despised.  Moses  and  all  the 
prophets  Were  despised  in  their  day.  What  I  [said  the 
despisers,]  hath  God  spoken  only  by  Moses  ?  hath  he  not 
spoken  also  by  us  ?  The,  apostles  were  despised  in  their 
days,  by  those  that  kept  not  to  the  anointing ;  for  this 
always  teacheth  to  reverence,  in  subjection  to  the  Lord, 
the  ministry  which  is  of  the  anointing.  "  He  that  de- 
spiseth  you,"  said  Christ,  "  despiseth  me."  He  that  de- 
spiseth  them  in  their  gathering,  or  in  their  building  up, 
despiseth  Him  that  sent  them.  They  were  earthen  ves- 
sels, in  presence  contemptible,  and  very  liable  to  be  de- 
spised. It  is  easy  still,  to  despise  God's  messengers  and 
servants ;  but,  he  that  will  truly  and  rightly  esteem  them, 
must  lie  low,  must  dwell  in  the  pure  fear,  and  in  the  sense 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PEKINGTON.  273 

of  life,  that  he  may  be  taught  of  God  so  to  do.  It  is  an 
easy  matter  to  have  objectious  enough  against  tliem  ;  but, 
to  see  through  all  prejudices  and  objectious,  to  the  pure 
and  precious  life  in  them,  and  to  the  gift  and  spirit  and 
power  of  the  Lord,  wherein  and  whereby  they  minister, — 
this  requires  a  true  eye,  and  an  heart  opened  by  the  Lord. 

Ah  Brother !  this  is  a  snare,  wherein  many  have  been 
caught  in  former  ages,  and  in  this  age  also, —  which  it  is 
easy  falling  into, —  but  the  preservation  out  of  it,  is  not 
easy,  but  only  by  the  power  and  mercy  of  the  Lord.  And 
blessed  are  those,  whom  the  Lord  so  favours  as  to  preserve 
out  of  it,  and  to  remove  from  them  those  prejudices  and 
devices,  whereby  they  are  entangled.  Dear  Brother !  when 
I  am  in  the  jDure  sense  before  the  Lord,  and  my  spirit 
opened  by  him,  and  iliou  presented  before  me ;  I  could 
even  beg  most  earnestly  of  the  Lord,  that  he*would  open 
thy  eye,  and  give  thee  a  true  sight  of  thy  state,  and  cause 
thy  spirit  to  bow  before  him ;  and  to  know  and  honour 
what  is  of  him,  and  not,  by  any  device  of  the  enemy,  be 
hindered  from  receiving  therefrom,  what  he,  in  tender 
love  and  mercy,  holds  out  to  thee. 

And,  dear  Brother,  mind  this  advice  which  just  springs 
in  my  heart :  pick  out  some  of  the  faithful  ones  of  the 
Lord's  servants,  and  open  thy  heart  to  them,  as,  in  the 
leadings  of  the  Lord  and  waiting  upon  him,  thou  fiudest 
freedom  thereunto.  Indeed,  Brother,  I  have  had,  for  a 
long  time,  a  deep  sense  of  danger  towards  thee :  the  Lord 
prevent  it,  that  thy  soul  may  live  to  him,  and  not  die  from 
him !  There  is  a  wisdom,  a  will  near  thee,  which  will  de- 
stroy thee,  unless  the  Lord  destroy  it  in  thee. 

O  that  thou  mightst  come  to  wait  aright  for  the  motion 
of  his  Spirit !  and  mightst  be  kept  by  him  in  that  which 
knows  the  drawing  ;  then  wilt  thou  hunger  and  thirst  after 
the  righteousness  of  his  kingdom,  and  long  after  times  of 
meeting  and  assembling  with  his  people;  and  find  thy 

S 


274      LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENIXGTOX. 

sense  of  them  living,  and  thy  life  refreshed  therein.  For, 
God  is  ^Yith  liis  people,  of  a  truth,  and  they  meet  not  with- 
out him  ;  but,  his  presence  is  in  the  midst  of  them,  causing 
his  life  to  flow  into  every  vessel,  that  stands  open  to  him. 
And,  death  has  not  come  over  his  people,  whatever  the 
enemy  suggests,  where  he  gets  an  ear  open ;  but,  life  grows 
more  and  more  in  freshness  and  into  dominion  in  them. 
O  Brother !  the  Lord  fully  gather  thee  i6to  and  preserve 
thee  in  that,  wherein  thou  mayest  feel  this  in  thy  own  par- 
ticular,—  wherein  thou  mayest  feel  the  freshness  of  life, 
and  the  power  thereof  in  them ;  that  thy  heart,  also,  may 
be  as  a  watered  garden,  and  as  a  living  temple,  wherein 
the  pure,  living  God  dwells  ! 

I  am  satisfied  in  my  heart,  that  not  only  my  love,  but 
my  life  speaks  to  thee.  O  that  thou  couldst  hear,  and  feel, 
and  fear,  and  bow  down  before  the  Lord  !  that  he  might, 
in  his  due  season,  raise  thee  up  in  his  life  and  power  among 
his  peojile,  purifying  thee,  and  preserving  thee  pure  and 
living  to  him  forever. 

POSTSCRIPT. 

Dear  Brother, —  The  desire  of  my  heart  to  the  Lord 
for  thee  is,  that  he  would  open  and  keep  open  in  thee  the 
eye  which  sees,  and  the  ear  which  hears,  and  the  heart 
which  understands  his  truth ;  and  that  he  would  prevent 
the  enemy  from  raising  up  another  thing  in  thee,  instead 
of  the  seed  of  life  and  holy  witness. 

Great  hath  been  the  subtlety,  and  deep  hath  been  the 
error  from  the  Truth ;  and  many  who  seem  to  be  Jews 
are  not,  but  have  erred  from  the  Spirit,  life,  and  power, 
wherewith  they  were  at  first  convinced,  and  whereby  they 
were  at  first  led.  And,  in  these,  the  enemy  hath  raised 
up  a  seat  of  prejudices,  and  strong  holds,  against  the 
ministry  and  power  of  the  living  God;  but,  those  that 


LETTERS  OF  ISAAC  PEKINGTON.  275 


are  of  the  right  seed,  bless  the  Lord,  beholding  his  work, 
while  others  slight  it,  and  are  expecting  somewhat  else ; 
they  bless  also  the  church  which  the  Lord  hath  built, 
and  the  ministry  which  he  hath  sent  forth  to  gather  and 
build  it. 

O  Brother !  there  is  an  high-mindeduess  in  some  which 
takes  upon  it  to  judge  beyond  its  growth  and  capacity ; 
and  there  is  a  fear  in  the  hearts  of  others,  lest  any  thing 
in  them  should  get  up,  or  judge,  or  be  any  thing,  beyond 
or  beside  the  jnire  Truth  ;  —  this  teacheth  to  honour  and 
prefer  those,  whom  the  Lord  hath  preferred,  the  other  hath 
accusations  and  pleas  against  them ;  the  one  of  these  wit- 
nesseth  preservation  from  God,  the  other  is  left  to  fall. 
Dear  Brother,  believe  a  traveller  in  the  path  of  life, — ■ 
(the  Lord  God  raise  up  in  thee  that  which  can  believe,) — 
the  .enemy  with  great  subtlety  hath  laid  his  snares, —  hath 
taken  many  in  his  snares, —  even  in  the  snares  which  he 

laid  by  his  instrument,  J  P  ;  and  many  did  let 

in  his  spirit  before  they  were  aware,  and  are  at  this  day 
(unknown  to  their  own  hearts)  entangled  therein.  The 
Lord  God  will  terribly  appear  against  such,  (indeed,  it  is 
truth,)  unless  they  bow  to  his  light,  acknowledge  their 
error  from  the  Truth,  and  come  back  to  the  body  by 
repentance,  and  turning  from  that,  wherein  this  spirit 
hath  entangled  them. 

Dear  Brother,  it  is  my  desire  that  thou  mayest  not  per- 
ish, but  feelAhe  carrying  on  of  the  work  of  salvation  in 
thee ;  travel  on  in  the  pure,  holy,  living,  powerful  path, 
and  receive  the  crown  of  fidelity  to  the  Truth !  Ah 
Brother !  mourn  to  the  Lord ;  fear  before  him ;  converse 
and  consult  with  those  that  abide  faithful ;  and  they  may 
help  thee  to  see,  (through  the  guidance,  presence,  and 
power  of  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  with  them,)  what  of  thy- 
self, thou  art  not  able  to  see.  Remember  this  counsel ; 
thy  life  is  wrapped  up  in  it ;  for  thou  hast  need  of  the 


276       LETTERS   OF   ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


helps,  which  the  Lord  in  his  tender  mercy  hath  provided, 
aud  canst  not  be  safe  without  them. 

Thy  dear  Brother,  iu  the  unity  of  nature,  longing  after 
perfect  sense  of  thee,  aud  unity  with  thee,  iu  the  pure 
life.  I.  P. 

Aylesbury  Gaol, 
7th  of  Eighth  Month,  1667. 


LETTER  CIV. 

Of  the  Church  and  Ministry. 

In  Reply  to  an  Answer  of  I.  H.  to  Somewhat  Writ- 
ten ON  Behalf  of  Truth. 

 Indeed,  to  speak  properly,  the  church  of  the 

gospel,  or  new  testament  church,  is  invisible.  The  per- 
sons in  whom  the  church  is,  are  visible ;  yet,  the  new  tes- 
tament church  is  not  a  society  of  men,  but  rather,  of  the 
invisible  life  in  men.  It  is  a  fellowship  in  the  faith,  in 
the  spirit,  which  is  the  bond  of  their  unity  and  of  their 
peace. 

The  life  is  breathed  invisibly  into  the  hidden  man. 
Jolm  iii.  8 ;  it  is  there  nourished  and  built  up  invisibly 
into  a  spiritual  invisible  temple,  house,  or  church,  and  in 
that  is  the  unity  and  fellowship.  So  that,  the  church  is  a 
mystery,  aud  the  fellowship  a  mystery,  which  is  hid  from 
every  eye  but  the  eye  of  life ;  aud  there  is  no  having  fel- 
lowship one  with  another,  but  by  coming  to  that,  and 
keeping  in  that,  wherein  is  the  fellowship.  1  John,  i.  7. 
It  is  of  inward  Jews  the  church  is  built;  it  is  of  such  God 
seeks  to  frame  his  new  house  of  worship,  under  the  gospel. 
John,  iv.  23.  Now,  of  such  stones  as  these,  the  Lord 
builds  up  a  temple  for  his  Spirit  to  dwell  in,  a  house  for 


LETTERS   OF   ISAAC   PENINGTOK.  277 


his  life  and  presence  to  manifest  itself  in, —  even  a  church 
for  the  living  God.  Tliis  building  is  by  the  Spirit,  in  the 
Spirit,  and  of  that  which  is  spiritual ;  this  building  is  one 
with  the  foundation,  and  therefore  is  the  pillar  and  ground 
of  Truth,  which  none  is  but  Christ,  and  that  which  13 
married  to  htm,  and  so  one  with  him.  1  Tim.  iii.  15.  Con- 
sider the  place  well,  and  see  whether  it  relate  to  that, 
which  tliou  callest  the  invisible,  or  to  that,  which  thou 
callest  the  vidble  church. 

It  is  the  candlestick  in  persons,  that  is  the  church  ;  not 
any  outward  meeting  of  persons,  or  joining  together  by 
covenant,  or  receiving  or  practising  of  ordinances,  can 
make  a  church  ;  but,  the  eternal  life  in  believers,  formed 
by  the  Spirit  into  a  candlestick,  to  hold  the  eternal  lamp 
or  light,  with  the  everlasting  oil  of  salvation.  The  light 
thus  shining  in  this  candlestick,  continually  refreshed  by 
this  oil,  —  here  is  a  flourishing  temple,  wherever  it  is 
found;  here  is  the  churcli  of  the  living  God,  here  is  the 
spouse  married  to  the  Lamb,  her  Husbanct.  But,  grieve 
the  Spirit,  quench  the  Spirit,  despise  the  prophesyings 
thereof,  (and  liglit  up  a  candle  of  the  fleshly  wisdom  and 
knowledge  of  the  things  of  God,  instead  of  these,)  the  oil 
soon  fails ;  the  oil  failing,  the  lamp  goes  out ;  the  lamp, 
or  light  being  gone  out  of  the  candlestick,  the  Lord  soon 
removes  the  candlestick  ;  and  the  candlestick  being  once 
removed,  the  very  same  persons  may  meet  together  often, 
and  hold  up  the  form,  (performing  things  mentioned  in 
the  Scriptures  concerning  a  church,  and  observing  such 
things  as  they  may  call  the  institutions  and  ordinances 
thereof,) but  they  are  far  from  continuing  to  be  a 
church.  Take  away  the  faith,  what  is  left  of  a  Christian  ? 
and  take  away  the  candlestick,  what  is  left  of  a  church  ? 

It  is  the  Spirit  alone  that  can  square  stones,  and  fit 
them  for  building  a  church  of;  and  He  alone  can  build 
them  up  into  a  house,  when  he  hath  squared  them.  Epb. 
24 


278      LETTERS   OF  ISAAC  PENINGTON. 


ii.  22.  And,  after  he  hath  built,  He  can  pull  down  again, 
and  bring  into  a  Avilderness  state ;  for,  there  is  a  wilder- 
ness state  of  Christianity,  as  well  as  a  built  state,  Rev.  xii. 
6 ;  and  as,  in  the  built  state,  it  is  dangerous  to  be  out  of 
the  church,  so,  in  the  wilderness  state,  it  is  dangerous 
remaining  in  that  building,  which  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord 
hath  forsaken.  Now,  if  the  Spirit  be  the  builder,  then, 
surely,  he  will  take  in  no  stones,  but  such  as  he  hath  first 
squared  and  fitted  for  the  building.  And,  after  the  church 
is  built,  it  is  he  alone  who  addeth  to  the  church ;  who  will 
be  sure  to  add  none,  but  those  whom  he  hath  first  con- 
verted. Acts,  ii.  47. 

The  chui-ch  is  a  body  gathered  in  the  Spirit,  and  watch- 
ing to  the  Spirit;  who  is  present  there  with  His  pure, 
searching,  discerning  eyes  ;  so  that,  nothing  that  is  impure 
can  enter,  (they  watching  to  the  Spirit,  according  to  the 
order  of  the  gospel ;)  no,  not  one  counterfeit  Jew,  no,  nor 
so  much  as  one  false  apostle,  though  they  clothe  them- 
selves ever  so  like  angels  of  light.  Rev.  xxii.  But  if 
they  be  negligent,  and  from  off"  the  watch,  not  waiting  for 
the  guidance  of  the  Spirit ;  then,  that  which  is  corrupt 
may  creep  in,  and  endanger  the  body.    Jude,  4. 


AN  ACCOUOT  OF  LADY  COKWAT. 


\Forming  a  Supplementary  Note  to  Page  195  of  this  Volume.^ 


THE  preceding  sheets  were  nearly  printed  off,  when,  through 
the  kindness  of  a  friend,  the  editor  at  length  obtained  a 
sight  of  a  small  work,  in  which  some  account  is  preserved  of 
the  Lady  Viscountess  Conway.  It  is  entitled,  "The  Life  of 
the  learned  and  pious  Dr.  Henry  More,  late  Fellow  of  Christ's 
College,  Cambridge;  &c.,  by  Richard  Ward,  A.  M. —  London, 
1710." 

This  excellent  lady  appears  to  have  been  at  one  time  a  pupil 
of  the  above  named  Henry  More,  and  between  them  there  sub- 
sisted from  first  to  last  a  great  degree  of  friendship  and  esteem. 
While  the  circumstance  of  her  having  attached  herself  to  the 
Society  of  Friends,  would  render  some  mention  of  her  charac- 
ter highly  interesting  to  that  class  of  readers ;  it  was  thought, 
on  the  other  hand,  that  the  high  standing  of  her  encomiast,  as 
a  member  of  the  Established  Church,  and  his  public  opposition 
to  the  religious  principles  of  the  Friends,*  would  not  fail  to 
add  weight  to  his  testimony  in  her  favour.  Much  allowance 
must,  however,  be  made  on  this  latter  account,  for  the  imper- 
fect exhibition  of  this  lady's  views  and  motives,  in  the  humil- 
iating preference,  which  she  gave  to  "  Quakerism."  With  this 
proviso,  a  faithful  abstract  shall  be  given  of  the  particulars  re- 
corded of  her  by  Henry  More  and  his  biographers. 

She  was  sister  to  "Sir  John  Finch,"  some  time  Ambassador 
from  the  English  Court  to  tliat  of  the  Ottoman  Empire.  Her 
understanding  was  singularly  quick  and  apprehensive,  her 
judgment  sound  and  solid,  and  her  sagacity  and  prudence  in 
affairs  of  moment,  were  such  as  surprised  all  those,  who  had 
occasion  to  consult  with  her.    Her  friend,  Henry  More,  would  — 


*  See  several  of  his  publications. 

279 


280 


AN  ACCOUNT  OF  LADY  CONWAY. 


say  of  her,  that  he  scarcely  ever  met  with  any  person,  man  or 
woman,  of  better  natural  endowments.  With  regard  to  the 
cultivation  of  these  extensive  powers,  we  are  told,  she  was  mis- 
tress of  the  highest  theories,  whether  of  philosoj)hy  or  religion; 
having  the  greatest  facility  for  physical,  metaphysical,  and 
mathematical  speculations ;  and  was  qualified  to  search  into, 
and  judiciously  sift  the  most  abstruse  writers  of  theology.  In 
the  company  of  others,  she  never,  upon  the  fairest  occasion, 
made  the  slightest  display  of  her  superior  ability  or  acquire- 
ments ;  nor  did  it  appear,  that  she  indulged  in  these  studies 
out  of  any  vanity  of  mind  or  fond  curiosity;  such  pursuits 
seeming  to  be  as  the  genuine  food  of  her  natural  genius,  not- 
withstanding the  distressing  impediment,  under  which  they 
were  usually  engaged  in.  For  she  had  the  affliction  to  be  ex- 
ercised, from  her  very  youth,  with  extreme  and  continued 
pains  in  her  bead,  which  at  length  extended  over  her  whole 
frame,  and,  at  times,  accompanied  with  such  severe  paroxysms, 
as  might  nearly  be  said  to  be  insupportable.  In  hope  of  relief 
or  recovery  from  this  malady,  she  submitted  to  many  very 
painful  remedies;  and,  having  tried  the  medical  skill  which 
this  country  at  that  time  afforded,  she  went  to  France  for  the 
same  purpose ;  but,  without  receiving  any  benefit  or  allevia- 
tion. 

There  was  nothing  in  the  character  of  this  "incomparable 
Lady,"  (as  Henry  More  was  accustomed  to  call  her,)  which  so 
called  forth  the  admiration  of  the  serious,  among  those  who 
had  known  her  from  her  youth,  as  this, —  that  she  had  such  a 
timely  sense  and  high  relish  of  that,  which  is  infinitely  beyond 
all  other  attainments, —  even,  the  saving  knowledge  of"  Christ 
(that  is,  of  his  power,  life,  and  Spirit)  in  us,  the  hope  of  glory." 
It  was  by  virtue  of  this,  as  her  learned  friend  justly  remarks, — 
in  comparison  of  which,  she  esteemed  all  things  else  but  as  loss, 
that  she  was  endued  with  such  marvellous  patience,  composure, 
and  fortitude,  to  bear  the  constant,  tedious,  as  well  as  more 
agonizing  conflicts  of  the  flesh.  And,  it  seemed  to  him  to  be 
not  without  i^rovidential  wisdom,  that  all  means  of  mitigation 
proved  so  ineffectual ;  in  order  that  tliis  glorious  power  of  God, 
in  its  operation  on  an  obedient  soul,  might  the  more  fully 
appear.    Thus  it  was,  that,  in  a  close  pu.suit  after  Truth  and 


AN  ACCOUNT  OF   LADY  CONWAY.  281 


knowledge,  the  Cliristian  graces  so  eminently  shone  forth  in 
her,  as  even  to  obscure  the  lustre  of  other  accomplisliinents,  at 
least,  with  those  who  could  behold  and  appreciate  them. 

Something  of  the  pious  resignation  of  her  spirit  is  discovered 
in  the  following  expressions,  which  occur  in  a  letter.  "  From 
the  redoubling  of  my  afflictions,  the  continuedness  of  my  grea't 
pains,  increase  of  weakness,  with  new  additional  distempers,  I 
might  fancy  my  release  not  far  off,  from  those  weighty  sutfer- 
ings  I  have  groaned  under  so  many  years.  But,  life  and  death 
are  in  the  hands  of  the  Almighty;  and  what  he  designs  for  me, 
I  desire  I  may  be  enabled  to  give  myself  up  to  willingly,  with- 
out murmuring;  who  only  kpows,  what  measure  of  sutfering 
is  most  necessary  for  me."  Her  mind  was  not  so  fastened 
down  to  her  own  personal  concernments  or  situation,  as  to 
render  her  conversation  ungrateful  to  others;  but  meekness, 
disinterestedness,  uniform  kindness  to  all  around,  condescen- 
sion and  forbearance  towards  the  failings  of  others,  together 
with  a  provident  solicitude  on  behalf  of  relations  and  friends, 
continued  to  be  the  frame  of  her  mind  up  to  the  very  close. 
And  though  her  pains  of  body  increased,  the  clearness  of  hei 
intellect  was  not  in  any  wise  impaired,  nor  the  tranquillity  of 
her  soul  molested ;  for,  at  the  last,  she  went  off  as  one  asleep, 
drawing  her  breath  shorter  and  shorter,  and  thus  yielding  up 
her  spirit  to  God,  who  gave  it,  and  had  redeemed  it  to  himself 
through  much  tribulation. 

One  of  her  earliest  friends,  on  being  made  acquainted  with 
the  manner  of  her  departure,  made  this  remark  :  "  I  perceive, 
and  bless  God  for  it,  that  my  Lady  Conway  was  my  Lady  Con- 
way to  her  last  breath  ;  the  greatest  example  of  patience  and 
presence  of  mind,  in  highest  extremities  of  pain  and  affliction, 
that  we  shall  easily  meet  with  :  scarce  any  thing  to  be  found 
like  her,  since  the  primitive  times  of  the  church." 

Several  of  Henry  More's  learned  treatises  were  composed  at 
Eagley  Hall,  the  family  seat,  and  expressly  at  the  desire  of  the 
Lady  Conway ;  and,  in  an  Epistle  Dedicatory  to  his  "Antidote 
to  Atheism,"  he  gives  a  great  character  of  her.  After  her  de- 
cease, it  was  designed,  that  something  of  her  own  exjierience 
should  have  been  printed,  by  way  of  Remains  or  Pious  Frag- 
ments ;  and,  with  this  view,  her  valued  friend  essayed  an 
24* 


282      AN   ACCOUNT   OF   LADY  CONWAY. 


account  of  her,  by  way  of  preface,  from  which,  some  parts  of 
the  i^resent  brief  memorial  are  taken.  This  document  winds 
up  with  the  succeeding  reflection. 

"  Tliese  things,  which  I  have  communicated  to  thee,  concern- 
ing our  friend,  this  excellent  Lady,  I  have  not  done  out  of  any 
partial  or  carnal  boastings;  but,  that  God  may  be  glorified, 
and  that  thou  mayest  the  more  fully  understand,  that  that 
religion,  which  availeth  any  thing  in  the  time  of  distress,  is 
not  opinion,  ceremony,  talk,  or  fancy ;  but  the  power  of  God 
in  the  inward  man,  in  virtue  of  the  new  birth,  or  real  regener- 
ation ;  which  is  the  true  and  saving  knowledge  of  Christ  in  us, 
the  hope  of  glory.  Which  mystery,  she  being  acquainted  with 
from  her  youth,  and  growing  up  therein,  it  made  her  such  an 
invincible  champion,  and  enabled  her  to  bear  up  with  that 
stoutness  and  constancy,  either  against  the  buffetings  of  Satan, 
or  sad  incumbrances  of  afflictive  nature;  in  which,  by  the 
divine  power  in  the  new  birth,  she  hath  proved  herself  more 
than  conqueror." 

It  does  not  appear  at  what  period  she  began  to  attach  her- 
self to  the  Society  of  Friends,  nor  at  what  time  she  expressed 
the  following  sentiments  connected  with  that  subject,  in  a 
letter  to  Henry  More.  "  Your  conversation  with  them  [the 
Friends]  at  London,  might  be,  as  you  express  it,  charitably 
intended,  like  that  of  a  physician  frequenting  his  patients,  for 
the  increase  or  confirmation  of  their  health;  but,  /must  pro- 
fess, that  my  converse  with  them  is,  to  receive  health  and  re- 
freshment frovi  them."  And,  towards  the  close  of  the  same 
letter,  she  further  adds,  "  I  pray  God,  give  us  all  a  clear  dis- 
cerning between  melancholy,  enthusiasm,  and  true  inspiration; 
that  we  may  not  be  imposed  ujion,  to  believe  a  lie.  The  great 
difference  of  opinion  in  this  point,  amongst  the  learned  and 
experienced,  occasions  much  perplexity  in  minds  less  ex- 
ercised, and  thus  not  so  well  fitted  for  judging."  Her  learned 
friend  said  of  her,  that  she  would  not  give  up  her  judgment 
entirely  unto  any;  which  makes  it  the  more  remarkable,  that 
she  should  have  cherished  such  a  leaning  towards  this  people, 
as  she  is  known  to  have  done.  He  attributed  this  change  to 
the  height  of  her  virtue,  and  said,  "  It  was  the  greatness  of  her 
mind  which  betrayed  her  to  it ;  who,  looking  upo»  some  pre- 


AN  ACCOUNT  OF   LADY  CONWAY. 


283 


tensions  of  the  Quakers  to  be  very  excellent,  all  the  external 
considerations  of  her  quality  and  of  the  world,  availed  nothing 
with  her,  for  the  hindering  of  those  regards  which  she  showed 
towards  them."  She  preferred  such  servants  as  were  of  this 
persuasion,  because  of  their  seriousness  and  quietness,  which 
indeed  were  qualifications  very  desirable  in  her  tried  state. 
Hence  the  inference  was  drawn,  that  the  melancholy  circum- 
stances, under  which  she  so  long  laboured,  gradually  inclined 
her  towards  Friends  and  their  opinions.  This,  however,  is 
clear ;  she  chose  the  company  of  some  of  the  best  and  most 
eminent  among  them,  as  Robert  Barclay,  William  Penn,  &c. : 
her  physician,  also.  Baron  Van  Helmont,  who  lived  long  in 
her  family,  is  said  to  have  been  "  a  frequenter  of  the  Quakers' 
Meetings."  She  acknowledged,  she  was  never  in  love  with 
the  name  of  a  Quaker,  nor  with  their  rusticity ;  but  regarded 
only  their  principles  and  practices,  so  far  as  they  were  good 
and  Christian.  In  the  same  letter,  she  particularly  takes 
notice  of  the  pressures  and  sufferings  they  had  lain  under,  and 
that  she  was  much  refreshed  by  the  accounts  of  their  trials 
and  consolations ;  and  that  they  were  fitted,  from  the  various 
and  heavy  exercises  they  had  themselves  experienced,  and 
their  supports  under  them,  to  administer  comfort  to  others  in 
great  distress. 

Henry  More  was  much  affected  with  the  change  wrought  in 
the  Countess,  so  that,  at  length,  he  received  the  account  with 
tears;  and  laboured  all  that  a  faithful  friend  could  do,  to  set 
her,  as  he  thought,  right,  with  regard  to  her  judgment  in  these 
matters.  But,  when  he  saw,  that  he  could  not  sufficiently  jjre- 
Tail,  he  desisted ;  and  thought  fit  to  leave  that  great  person  to 
enjoy,  in  her  extremities,  the  company  and  the  ways  she  most 
approved.  How  far  her  peace  of  mind  was  concerned,  with 
regard  to  the  humiliating  path  she  must  often  have  had  to 
tread,  while  espousing  a  cause  so  misrepresented  and  despised, 
as  that  of  the  Society  of  Friends  then  was  —  how  far  she  was 
satisfied  in  the  course  she  adopted,  may  be  fairly  estimated 
from  the  sincerity  and  piety  of  her  character  through  life,  and 
from  the  consolation  and  support  she  was  favoured  with  in 
death. 

THE  END. 


I 


/ 


DATE  DUE 

CAYLORD 

PRINTED  IN  U  S.  A. 

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